E paper Voice of Asia Newsweekly August 21 2015

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Vol. 28 No. 34 Friday, August 21, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Gandhi’s Monument unveiled at Houston’s MG District

by Shobana Muratee

H

OUSTON, (Aug. 16, 2015) – At a very strategic median, near Hillcroft and US 59 was installed the historic Mahatma Gandhi Monument under the auspices of India Culture Center, (ICC). The face of the world’s peace apostle, sculpted in bronze, etched on both sides a marble slab will now be as an attraction at the Mahatma Gandhi District here.

The unveiling ceremony was held on Sunday, August

16, 2015 at 9:30 AM before businesses opened in that area, amidst a gathering of Indian Americans, elected officials and supporters. The project that took three years in the making was recognized as a collaborative effort of ICC and the Southwest Management District that incorporated this as part of their beautification plan for the area. Consul General of India, Houston, Parvathaneni Harish unveiled the monument to a cheering crowd, some of who were dressed in the Indian flag colors celebrating India’s 69th Independence Day (from

Aug.15th). Praising Houston’s openness to ideas and the dynamic leadership of ICC to take such initiatives, P Harish said, “Each one of us, as we go through our daily lives, take a moment to think about the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi Continued on page 6 Image on the right: Consul General P Harish unveiling the Monument on August 16, 2015. Col. Raj Bhalla, Councilman Ken Mathew and guests cheer on. Photo Credit: Raghu/Mili Thakkar, Image N Motion Studio.

India’s 69th Independence Day Celebrations in Houston

T

o celebrate India’s 69th Independence Day, Consul General, Mr. P Harish hosted a Flag Hoisting for Indian Nationals, members of the Indian American community and Friends of India at his residence on August 15, 2015 at 8.30 AM. This function was attended by a large gathering representing the Indian-American community in Greater Houston and neighboring cities in a broad based manner. Over 300 guests from diverse walks

of life, including elected representatives and their officials attended the Flag Hoisting.

Representatives of business, universities, think-tanks, arts & culture, media, international students from India studying at various universities; and representatives of several Indian-American community fora also attended.

The programme comprised unfurling of the Tricolor; singing of the National Anthem; reading the President’s Address; singing of patriotic

songs by students of Krishna Gana Sudha Music Academy (KGSMA), Houston; cultural performance by student of Anjali Center for Performing Arts; presentation of gifts to students; and serving High Tea. The Indian-American community has been expressing deep appreciation for successive ‘Open Houses’ held at Consul General’s residence to celebrate India’s National Days, with large and enthusiastic participation.

India House Celebrates ‘Unity in Diversity’ on India’s Independence Day Through the skit and dance performances they travelled and educated the audience about France, Germany, India; and many countries in Africa and Latin America.

A delightful performance by children from Summer Camp at India House depicting the theme ‘Unity in Diversity Photo credit Bijay Dixit.

Read report on 7.

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Consul General P Harish unfurls the Indian flag at his residence in Houston to mark India’s 69th Independence Day on August 15, 2015. Also seen is Mrs. Nandita Parvathaneni. Photo credit Bijay Dixit.

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NEW DELHI, India Fellow citizens:

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Columnists: Legal: Richard M. Alderman Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Research: Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Health Insurance: Sudhir Mathuria Astrology: Hardik Vyas

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On the eve of 68th anniversary of our Independence I extend warm greetings to you and to all Indians around the world. .......My congratulations to Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2014, who has done the country proud.

On 15th August 1947, we won political freedom. ..... The ideals and convictions, that had held through the travails of an epic struggle against British rule, were under strain.

A great generation of supreme heroes faced this formidable challenge. ... India’s pride, selfesteem and self-respect, born from a civilizational wisdom which inspired the renaissance that won us freedom, was distilled into the principles of our constitution by these extraordinary men and women.

The most precious gift of this document was democracy, which reshaped our ancient values into a modern context and institutionalized multiple freedoms. ........It is time to recall what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, said while making his closing speech in the Constituent Assembly in November 1949 and I quote: “The working of a constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the constitution. The constitution can provide only the organs of state, such as the legislature, the ex-

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

India’s President Pranab Mukherjee Addresses the Nation on Eve of 69th Independence Day: Excerpts ecutive and the judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the state depends are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics.

Who can say how the people of India and their parties will behave?” (unquote) If the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by the people and their parties. The correctives must come from within. .... The new chapters of the ‘India Story’ are waiting to be written. ‘Economic reforms’ is a work-in-progress. Our performance over the last decade has been commendable; and it is most heartening that after a dip, we have recovered to 7.3% growth in 2014-15. ....Our policies must be geared to meet the ‘Zero Hunger’ challenge in a foreseeable future.

A nation which forgets the idealism of its past loses something vital from its future. Our educational institutions multiply as the aspirations of generations continue to exceed supply. ... The student with devotion and humility acknowledges the debt of the teacher. Society respects and recognizes the merit and scholarship of the teacher.

Is that happening in our education system today? Students,

teachers and authorities must pause and introspect.

Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience. Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism.

In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of our people.

Friends: Peace, friendship and cooperation bind nations and peoples together. Recognizing the shared destiny of the Indian sub-continent, we must strengthen connectivity, expand institutional capacity and enhance mutual trust to further regional cooperation. ....It is heartening that the long pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh has been finally resolved. .....India is a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders. Except the language of violence and the cult of evil, these terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology. Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India.

Our policy will remain one of

zero tolerance for terrorism.

I pay homage to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives defending India.

India is a complex country of 1.3 billion people, 122 languages, 1600 dialects and 7 religions. Its strength lies in its unique capacity to blend apparent contradictions into positive affirmations. In the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, it is a country held together and I quote: “by strong but invisible threads..... About her there is the elusive quality of a legend of long ago; some enchantment seems to have held her mind.

She is a myth and an idea, a dream and a vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive” (unquote).

On the fertile ground laid by our Constitution, India has blossomed into a vibrant democracy. The roots are deep but the leaves are beginning to wilt.

It is time for renewal.

If we do not act now, will our successors seven decades hence remember us with the respect and admiration we have for those who shaped the Indian dream in 1947? The answer may not be comfortable, but the question has to be asked.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!

It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints.

Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement.

- The Publisher

STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

India’s dour mood makes British nervous Part XIV

I

t was announced that a meeting was to be held in a garden called Jallianwala Bagh, to protest against the government’s actions. General Dyer took no measures to prevent the meeting. He reached the place soon after the meeting began and he took with him armored cars and troops. Without giving any warning he ordered, “Fire till the bullets are finished.” The soldiers fired 1600 rounds into that unarmed mass of people.

Once a park, Jallianwala Bagh was now a scene of the most brutal massacre of hundreds.

Now read on: Hundreds of men, women, and children were butchered, though the official figures given were only 379 killed and 2000 wounded. Leaving the wounded and dying on the ground, the troops marched away. The name Jallianwala Bagh became synonymous with massacre. There were other even more shameful deeds done all over the Punjab.

Indians were ordered to crawl on their hands and knees.

General Dyer also ordered that in certain areas all Indians were to alight from vehicles and salute whenever they passed a British officer.

At certain places men were stripped naked and flogged.

Students and children were ordered to walk miles for roll call, to attend parades, and salute the British flag. Then there was the stripping and flogging of marriage parties, the censorship of communications, and cutting of water and electricity supplies to Indian families.

Mahatma Gandhi Week in Houston from Sept. 27 to Oct 3, 2004.

Call 713-785-3900 or visit www.mahatmagandhilibrary.org The administration of General Dyer’s martial law created a reign of terror in the Punjab.

C. F. Andrews, who had already reached the Punjab, wrote to Gandhi and begged him to come at once. Gandhi wanted to go, but his repeated requests for permission to visit the place were turned down by the Government. Finally, in October that year, the Viceroy permitted him to visit the Punjab, and Gandhi went.

On his arrival at Lahore railway station, Gandhi found that almost the entire population of the city was there waiting for him. The Congress had appointed a committee to enquire into the atrocities committed in the Punjab. On his arrival in Lahore he was requested to join the committee. He started a slow but most methodical investigation of the incidents in the Punjab.

Gandhi thus had the oppor-

tunity to know the Punjab and its people. The people flocked to him. They loved him and respected him. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was also there in the Punjab, realized that Gandhi was the leader of the masses. People were drawn to him because of his thoughts and deeds.

Nehru saw the scientific accuracy with which Gandhi was conducting the enquiry. Gandhi’s report of the atrocities showed that the Government was trying to shield certain persons. He was never interested in taking revenge on anybody but he was shocked at the way the government sat silent when its own report was published.

He was greatly moved by the sufferings of the people in the Punjab. He knew the extent of the atrocities which had been committed on the defenseless people. Gandhi now advised the people to not cooperate with the Government in every possible way. He advised them not to accept any of the honors offered by Britain, and requested those who had already received honors to return them.

He wanted people to start a movement to boycott the law courts. He advised people not to buy any foreign goods. He wanted every effort to be made to persuade Indians not to serve the Government in any capacity. He called out students from the educational institutions. Gandhi’s influence on the Indian people was steadily growing. The old leaders, many of them with liberal policies, were vanishing from Indian politics.

By the end of 1920 Gandhi was

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All school going children can participate! These contests are being organized to create higher awareness of the inspiring life and work of Mahatma Gandhi to promote universal values of Truth, Non-Violence, Love and Service. the undisputed leader and head of the Indian National Congress.

The Congress was fighting for immediate Home Rule. Its method of fighting was nonviolent noncooperation with the government, and defying carefully selected laws at suitable times.

Gandhi was very interested in Jawaharlal Nehru and his socialistic views. He was most impressed with the account given

by Jawaharlal of his contacts with the peasants.

Jawaharlal explained the difficulties the peasants were experiencing, particularly the high taxes they had to pay. The political situation in India grew worse.

The Government became nervous. There was tension everywhere and amidst the suppressed people there was the danger of violence.

In spite of the hard attitude of the Government, Gandhi believed that England would soon right the wrong before it was too late. Jawaharlal was of the opinion that England would not change her policy unless she was forced to do so. Jawaharlal was right. Soon the Government

started arresting the leaders and imprisoning them. The British were afraid to loosen their grip on India.

On August 1, 1920, in a letter to Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy. Gandhi gave the signal for a noncooperation campaign.

Along with it he returned the Kaiser-i-Hind gold medal which had been awarded to him in 1915. In the columns of Young India Gandhi wrote in detail in defence of nonviolent noncooperation.

With other leaders he travelled extensively addressing huge meetings and preaching the essentials of satyagraha. Everywhere the crowds welcomed him with great love and enthusiasm. Again and again he warned the people against violence. He abhorred mass fury. “If India has to get her freedom by violence,” he said, “let it be by the disciplined violence named war.”

At the end of August the Gujarat Political Conference passed a noncooperation resolution and a special session of the Congress was held in Calcutta on September 4 to 9. The draft of the non-

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cooperation resolution had been prepared by Gandhi.

Gandhi was not sure how much support he would get at the Congress session. When he moved the resolution he said that he knew the resolution envisaged a policy which was different from the policy hitherto followed.

“But,” he declared, “knowing this, I stand before you in fear of God and with a sense of duty to put this before you for your acceptance.” The special Congress session adopted the noncooperation plan as a means of attaining Swaraj. During the latter part of 1920 Gandhi advocated a triple boycott. He wanted an absolute boycott of the Government and all government institutions, including schools, colleges, and courts. If the people were free of these they could easily have their own schools, colleges, and courts, and the power of the British would collapse at once.

There was much laughter and ridicule from the moderates and the supporters of British rule.

But Gandhi paid no attention. — To be continued.

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Second Front Page

Friday, August 21, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

Swami Mukundananda to talk on ‘The Art of Mind Management’

H

OUSTON - The quest for Mind Management is a practical necessity, not a lofty ideal, says a Swami Mukundananda Ji who is on a 30 City Tour this Summer in the USA. He will be addressing the audience from all walks of life in this enthralling six day series from Aug 29- Sept 3, at India House, 8888 W. Bellfort Avenue, Houston, 77031. Swami Ji has captivated Audience in Houston since 2008.

plexity of our lives.

“Practical realization of these critical Mind Management techniques,” he says - “If

practiced on daily basis, transforms our thinking and develops contentment and peace of mind; as well and provides us

a true Path to Happiness.

Visit jkyog.org/events to reister and for more details.

Year after year, Swami Mukundananda has touched thousands of souls across USA with his soul-stirring lectures and devotional songs. His words echo profound philosophical truth with enormous ease, leaving everyone spellbound with his lectures filled with Divine knowledge. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization.

Swami Mukundananda, received his degrees in Engineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) respectively.

However, the call of God was so strong that a short while after landing a top corporate job, he renounced his professional career to take Sanyas, at age 23 in the quest for God-realization.

Since the last two decades, Swamiji has been travelling far and wide in various states of USA, India and also in Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong awakening thousands of seekers.

He is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JKYog. JKYog is a non-profit organization dedicated to the spiritual, mental and physical wellness of Humankind, through true Yoga and Spirituality.

For the children, he has established a special personality development program, called “Bal-Mukund Character Building Program.” It includes

Swami Mukundananda character building, yog, meditation, devotional singing and religious training.

concepts of the Vedic scriptures, with wit, humor, and perfect logic.

Swamiji has been invited to speak at various Fortune 500 companies like Google, Oracle, etc. For the youth, Swamiji has conducted programs at prestigious universities such as Princeton, Stanford, Kellogg, MIT, and Duke University.

Swami Mukundananda will have a week-long program in Houston. Swamiji’s program will be held at India House at 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from August 29th to September 3rd, 2015. The first part of each day session focuses on Yoga & Meditation and the second part focuses on spiritual discourses and Devotional chanting. Each day’s program will include Yoga, Meditation, Lecture program and Devotional chanting. Admission is free and Prasadam will be served after discourses.

Registration to the event is strongly recommended.

In every city of his visit, a week-long program with Yoga sessions & Spiritual discourse is organized. The first part of the session focuses on Yoga & Meditation. The second session focuses on devotional chanting and spiritual discourses.

In his programs, Swamiji chants the sweetest bhajans that inspire devotional love and transport the consciousness to subliminal heights.

Swamiji’s warmth and humility touch all those who have the fortune to have his association.

The very presence of Swami Mukundananda radiates Grace and Bliss.

Swamiji’s enlightening discourses clarify the deepest

During these six days Swami Ji will be teaching techniques to Unleash the Power of your Mind: Your Best Friend and Worst Enemy; Mind Management Tools - creating Harmony in work life balance; - Technique of Visualization: Tapping the Power of the Subconscious Mind - and many more areas to help manage the growing com-

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The People’s Lawyer www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

You can have only one marriage Q. I was married about ten years ago. Shortly after we married my spouse left me. I have not seen or heard from him in almost eight years. Two years ago I fell in love with a wonderful man who asked me to marry him. I said yes and we had a simple ceremony. Am I now married to both men?

Does my second wedding invalidate my first? I never told my husband that I was married before.

A. Under the law, you can have only one marriage. A marriage entered into when either party has an existing marriage is void. In other words, you are still married to your first spouse and your second marriage has no legal effect.

The only way to remedy this situation is get a divorce from your first spouse and dissolve that marriage. Once you legally terminate your first marriage, your second marriage will automatically become valid if you continue to live together and hold yourselves out as married. I know it may be uncomfortable, but you should tell the man you love your situation and promptly speak with a family law attorney about dissolving your first marriage.

Q. What is the law in the state of Texas if someone writes you a check to hold a boat that is for sale and then backs out of the deal the next day.

A. As far as the law is concerned, once two parties agree to a price to buy and sell an item they have an enforceable contract. If he agreed to buy the boat and gave you money to hold it until he came to pay the rest, backing out of the deal would be a breach of contract.

The legal issue in your case, however, is whether he gave you the check as a down payment for a contract, or, to have you hold the boat so he had more time to decide whether he wanted to buy it.

The question is: did the buyer say something that meant, “I agree to by the boat, here is a check to hold it for me, I’ll come back and pick it up and pay the rest;” or, “ I think I want the boat, here is a check to hold it for me and I’ll come back in a few days and let you know if I want it.”

If the facts of your case are the first example, he has breached the contract. On the other hand, if they are the second example, you never had a contract. If you had a contract, the amount of your damage would be the difference between that the buyer agreed to pay and what you ultimately sell the boat for. If the boat were sold for the same price, there would not be any damages, even though there was a breach of contract.

Q. My will is in my safe deposit box. I have been told to get it out because after I die no one is allowed into the box until after probate. Is this true?

A. No, it is not true. Under the law, you are allowed to get into the safe deposit box of a deceased person. There are two ways to access the box. First, the person who wants access can get a court order from a probate court with jurisdiction over the deceased’s estate. The judge or a judge’s representative must be present when the safe deposit box is opened.

In many cases, you also may access a safe deposit box without a court order. A bank that leases a safe deposit box to a deceased person may permit any of the following people to examine the contents of the safe deposit box in the presence of a bank representative: The decedent’s spouse The parent of the decedent A descendant, such as a child or grandchild, of the decedent who is at least 18 years A person named as an executor of an estate in a copy of a document that appears to be the decedent’s last will and testament If the will in found, it must be delivered to the appropriate probate court. If a bank allows access to the safe deposit box without court order, it must keep a copy of a document that appears to be the will for four years after it delivered it.

Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Check out my website, www.peopleslawyer.net

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER Answers to your Immigration Questions

by Sharlene Sharmila Richards, Immigration Lawyer:email at srichardslaw@aol.com

YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT REVOCATION Sharlene Sharmila Richards OF APPROVED PETITIONS Q: I am a US Citizen and I had petitioned for my wife and the petition was approved. My wife attended her Immigrant Visa interview at the US Consulate a month ago and was informed that she needed to mail in proof of her communications with me.

As per their request, she mailed the paperwork such as our phone bills to the US Consulate. Last week, the US Consulate informed my wife that my approved I-130 Petition for Alien Relative will be sent back for revocation. What options do I have at this stage and please can you explain the process?

A: An approved petition may be revoked by USCIS at their discretion if there are grounds for revocation. For cases where the interview is conducted at the US Consulate abroad, if the consular officer discovers during the course of the interview that the petition should not have been approved in the first place or is no longer approvable due to a change in circumstances, then the petition will be referred back to USCIS with a memorandum detailing the reasons as to why the petition should be revoked. Once USCIS receives the petition back from the consulate, it will review the petition and the Department of State’s finding. USCIS can either do one of three things: Firstly, it can find that the petition is not revocable and return the petition back to the consulate with reasons of the decision not to revoke. Second, it can issue a Notice of Intent To Revoke (NOIR) to the Petitioner informing the Petitioner the reasons of the intent to revoke and giving the Petitioner reasonable opportunity to offer an explanation or provide additional documentation to show why the petition should not be revoked. Thirdly, USCIS may just issue a Notice of Automatic Revocation to the Petitioner. In your case, it appears that the consular officer was dissatisfied with the documents which your wife had mailed in and has refused her the Immigrant Visa.

It is possible that USCIS will issue a Notice of Intent to Revoke explaining the reasons why the approved petition should be revoked. If this happens, you will need to respond to that Notice of Intent to Revoke within 30 days. The USCIS officer if satisfied with your response will then mail you notification that the petition has not been revoked and your wife will receive her Immigrant Visa. If USCIS finds that the grounds for petition revocation still exist, the petition will then be revoked and you will be given an opportunity to challenge this revocation through the appeal process. You may file an appeal against the petition revocation. The appeal will first be reviewed

by USCIS and if the burden of proof still has not been satisfied, USCIS will forward the Appeal record to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) for a decision on whether to grant or deny the appeal.

Q: My petition for my husband was sent back from the US Consulate for revocation and almost a year has gone by and I have not received the Notice of Intent to Deny from USCIS. What can I do? USCIS Customer Service is unable to provide any information about this delay.

A: I advise that you do an Infopass appointment at the local USCIS office to check the status of this case and to let USCIS know that you are still waiting for USCIS to provide you with the Notice of Intent to Revoke.

Q: My H-1B employer is going bankrupt. What happens to the H-1B petition they filed for me?

A: Once you H-1B employer goes bankrupt, your approved H-1B petition is automatically revoked. If your H-1B petition is revoked, you will cease to hold valid H-1B status. My advice is for you to immediately find another employer to transfer your H-1B petition before that occurs.

Q: My brother’s H-1B petition was approved for October 2015 until 2018. During the interview at the consulate, he was informed that the consulate would be sending the approved petition for revocation and the reason they gave him was his English was poor. What happens now?

A: Before the petition can be revoked, the petitioning company will receive a Notice of Intent to Revoke which will give the company the opportunity to provide additional information which they feel will help overcome the Consulate’s finding.

Disclaimer: Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case.

My Bio Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. You may contact her at telephone number 713-623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

India Culture Center hosts India Fest - 2015

by Shobana Muratee

S

TAFFORD, TX – The IFest 2015, India Culture Center’s (ICC) annual signature event that celebrated India’s 69th Independence Day celebrations at Stafford Center on the afternoon of Sunday, August 16th, 2015 was marked with a historical achievement of the year. That same morning, ICC made headlines with the unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi Monument at the famous ‘Little India’s’ juncture on Highway 59 and Hillcroft in Houston.

I-Fest celebrations looked festive with a large 24feet LED screen that displayed India and its freedom fighters. The formal program emceed Shweta Arora began with the lighting of the lamp by Nandita Harish. After which dignitaries gave their messages starting with host Mayor of Stafford, Scarcella followed by Hon. Consul General of India, P Harish, Protem Mayor of Sugarland Harish Jajoo, Council Members Himesh Gandhi and Ken Matthew who lauded ICC efforts. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee spoke of US- India efforts in global economy.

ICC President, Charlie Patel spoke about ICC’s vision and the theme of the day “Colors of India’ Ek Sham Azadi Ke Naam. Event Chair Nisha Mirani welcomed a large audience of nearly 3400 guests. She had put together a magnificent event with Coordinators Ajit Patel and Yagnesh Patel. Over 54 vendor booths including three food booths comprised Lively Bazaar that made brisk business.

About 60 participants representing three generations from ages 5 to 50, gave a spectacular performance that lasted 18 minutes, depicting the theme ‘Colors of India’. The Tyaagi Group performed a seven act patriotic dance performance with almost 38 participants. It displayed the freedom fighters and the struggle of independence.

The Cultural program had a variety of 17 performances from local dance schools and partnering organizations. A total 178 performers: Sunanda School of Performing Arts, Bollywood Dancing Stars, Kathak Kala Kendra, Natyaveda Group, Houston Brethren, Kalakriti Performing Arts, Senior Citizens Association, Houston Maharashtra Mandal, Abhinaya, Sug-

Children who participated

Col. Raj Bhalla and Mrs. Kanwalji Bhalla receive ICC’s Special honors on the occassion from Consul General P Harish. Photo by Shobana Muratee. arland Sparks, Aradhaana Dance School, Jai Ho Group, Gujarati Samaj, Tyaagi Group, Katy Kalaakar performed. Coordinators of Cultural segment and Emcees were Swapan Dhairyawan and Sangeeta Pasrija.

The Kids Costume Contest was coordinated by Sapna Shah and had 16 participants. The judges were Parul Fernandes and Sangita Dua. Winner were given cash gifts courtesy of Dr. Ashima and Anand Chauhan.

The Teen Essay contest that had 11participants was coordinated

by Veena Kaul with judges Col. Raj Bhalla and Col. Vipin Kumar. Winners were given cash gifts courtesy of Munish Goel.

A Kids Creative Corner was set up for the first time supervised

by Mr. Lana Ye. A Surprise Award ceremony was coordinated by Swapan Dhairyawan and Rajiv Bhavsar to honor Col. Raj Bhalla for his dedicated service to the community and ICC. The Board also recognized Mrs. Kanwalji Bhalla for her unsung, generous support.

A souvenir commemorating the occasion was also released coordinators of which Swapan Dhairyawan and Pramod Bengani. The Raffle Draw was an enormous hit. There were great gifts from Travel Guzs, Sehgal Diamonds, Kohinoor Diamonds, Sara International and

Parivar Grocers. The Raffle was handled by the volunteer team of Harshad Patel, Hemant Patel and Nirmala Patel.

The grand finale had the Live musical concert by ‘Mumbai Masti’ group from India. Ek Shaam Azaadi ke Naam was enjoyable program with singers KK, Alka & Aman. The audience had an intimate evening with the audience and all those present enjoyed the musical

Gold Sponsor for the event was Moparty Family and they were recognized. The evening concert was sponsored

by Western Union and Discount Power. The Silver sponsors were Wallis State Bank, Ramesh Cherivirala, Sling TV, Yuppy TV, North American Title Company, MD & Associates & Paradise Gifts. The sponsorship efforts were led by Rajiv Bhavsar. Umang Mehta

Ekal Vidhyalaya booth at I-Fest.

Darshak Thakkar being recognized by ICC.

Live Concert by ‘Mumbai Masti’. thoroughly. Telugu movie actor Raja was recognized also welcomed on the occasion.

of Deep Foods was recognized for his continuous support to ICC.

Sound and PA system was coordinated by Darshak Thakkar and photography by Raghu Thakkar. TV Asia Manisha Gandhi and Gautam Jani covered the event.

For more information visit www.icchouston.org

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Protem Mayor of Sugarland Harish Jajoo, addressing the gathering as Council Members Himesh Gandhi looks on. Photos by Raghu/Mili Thakkar, Image N Motion Studio.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Gandhi’s Monument unveiled at Houston’s MG District

Indian American women gathered in large numbers at the Mahatma Gandhi District to partake in the historic moment on Aug. 16, 2015. Photo by Shobana Muratee.

Continued from Page 1 to change the world, to make it better place,� he said. “Think of something different, something big,’ was his message.

Dignitaries attending this ceremony included United States Congressman Al Green, State Representative Gene Wu, Houston City Council Member Mike Laster, Sugar Land City Council Members Harish Jajoo and Himesh Gandhi, Stafford City Council Member Ken Matthew. Board of Directors from the Southwest Management District (formerly known as the Greater Sharpstown Management District) will also be in attendance. Heads of leading Indo-American organizations: Mahatma Gandhi Library, Foundation of India Studies, India House, Hindus of Greater Houston, Ekal Vidhyalay, Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Leuva Patidor Samaj, Indian Muslims of Greater Houston, joined in the momentous occasion. “We were indeed racing against time. It is only with providential help that we were able to receive the last shipment on August 12,� Col. Raj Bhalla, Event Chair and past

President of ICC said welcoming the gathering. After a set back with the first etched sample dispatched early July, organizers had to quickly come up with an alternative as the date for unveiling was already set Col. Bhalla explained.

In 2011, ICC Houston began its efforts to build a Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Monument with its ambitious fund raising effort from generous donors within the India American Community, India House, and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. A total of $25,000 was raised to complete the monument, as well as recurring costs of $1,500 per year for maintenance and insurance.

The event concluded with a brief ceremony at the Bhojan restaurant where sponsors, volunteers and supporters were recognized for their tireless effort over the past four years to see this project to its completion. Congressman Al Green and Consul General P Harish did the honors. ICC Chief Trustee Swapan Dhairyawan thanking the supporters recalled on January 16th 2010 when the MG District Sign toppers were unveiled by Mayor Annise

Consul General P. Harish seen with ICC Directors and Trustees and promoters of the Mahatma Gandhi Monument that was unveiled on August 16, 2015. Photo Credit: Raghu/Mili Thakkar, Image N Motion Studio.

Parker during the Presidency of Late Keshubhai Patel.

Charlie Patel, ICC President expressing his thoughts on the occasion said he was very thankful to the Southwest Management District, the City of Houston for closing down some of the lanes so we can hold this event. He was also thankful to ICC Directors and Trustees for their support throughout.

Atul Khotari, Founder, Mahatma Gandhi Library, Houston, commented, “It’s an event of which everyone can be proud of not just Indian Americans,� because Gandhi was a ‘person with universal philosophy’.

Asked about conducted Gandhi related celebrations jointly with ICC he said, “Since it is ICC project we will leave it up to them but always support as we are now.�

Krishna Vavilala, Founder and Chair Foundation of India Studies said, “It’s a proud moment for the India community in Houston. This is the 2nd landmark after we installed the Gandhi statue in Hermann Park and this landmark will remain here as long as that statue will remain in Hermann Park�

US Congressman and Consul General P Harish recognizing Mahesh Wadhwafor his contribution to the project. Event Chair, Col. Bhalla and ICC Director Rajiv Bhavsar (with mike) look on. “We are very honored as Indo-Americans,� Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our heritage through Mahatma Gandhi.�

MACC gives free school supplies to over 500 refugees kids

Children line up at the Hawa Masjid to get their school supplies

City Council member Richard Nguyen seen with Rahman Moton and volunteers and members of Masjid,

H

OUSTON - On August 16th Myanmar American Chamber of Commerce (MACC) gave Free school supplies to over 500 Refugees Kids from Hawa Foundation (Hawa Masjid) along with Relief ICNA USA. City Council member Richard Nguyen and Lane Lewis

were in attendance at the event. Rahman Moton, President, Hawa Foundation and MACC thanked the parents, volunteers, officials, and all those who attended the event.

This was the second year in succession that this event has been a successfull conducted. �In the future we hope to help more in the community�, said Rahman Moton.

Read more on Community www.voiceofasiaonline.com

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Mahesh Wadhwa, CEO, Wadhwa & Associates, Inc., said he was happy to get the approvals of the Southwest Management District and finally the City for project.

Mahatma Gandhi was an apostle of peace and he’s widely acknowledged as the father

of the Indian independence movement and the pioneer of Satyagraha, or resistance through mass non-violent disobedience. He was born on October 2, 1869 and was assassinated on January 30, 1948.

India gained its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

India House President Dr. Manish Rungta, welcoming the gathering . Photos by Bijay Dixit.

I

ndia House hosted the 69th Independence Day celebrations along with their Summer Enrichment Camp Explosion on Saturday, August 15th. The event was attended by 350 plus guests coming from a cross-section of the local Indian community, elected officials and neighboring community members.

City officials including Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, Houston City Council Member Mike Laster, Sugar Land Council Member Harish Jajoo and representative from Houston City Council Member Larry Green’s office were present along with Trustees, Board Members and Council Members of India House to honor the Indian national spirit and encourage student presenters.

India House General Manager, Col. Vipin Kumar joins Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, in US flag hoisting.

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

India House Trustee Dr. Virendra Mathur, reading excerpts from speech of India’s President, Pranab Mukerjee.

India House Celebrates ‘Unity in Diversity’ on India’s Independence Day

legal advice for Family Law, Probate Law, Health Directives and Immigration consultation; nominal cost medical assistance at India House Charity Clinic and After School Program for community students.

Dr. Virendra Mathur read out experts from the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s

speech.

The song, Aye mere watan ke logon by Maumita Chaudhary from Global Desis brought tears in many eyes. Hemant Bhavsar and Uday Shah’s song Jahan Daal Daal pe and Himalaya ki Bulandi Sey brought the audience into a patriotic fervor and emotional mood. The en-

ergy filled dance performance by non-Indian Summer Enrichment Camp students on Kehte hain humko pyaar se Indiawale, choreographed by Tina Bose Kumar of Infused Performing Arts, brought a wave of vibrancy and received a standing ovation from the audience. The diverse ethnicity of the students

represented the true Houston culture imbibing India House’s mission of bringing the neighboring communities together culturally.

India House Program Manager, Michael Miller introduced his two student group teachers, Crystal Sanchez and Nasya Edwards along with the City of

Yellow Rose Clogger’s created a vibrant energy with their tap dancing, clickty-clacks and three generation of dancers.

Students enjoyed colorful patterns and designs painted on their faces and hands at the exclusive face painting area. The students then moved outdoor to water slides and obstacle course slides to beat the summer heat.

Devon Anderson, India House President Dr. Manish Rungta, Dr. Virendra Mathur, Jugal Malani and Dr. Durga Agrawal together hoisted the American, Indian and Texas flags followed by the American and Indian national anthems.

Devon Anderson congratulated India House for uniting the cultures and serving the community. India House General Manager, Col. Vipin Kumar welcomed the guests and introduced the Summer Enrichment Camp students to the audience.

India House president, Dr. Manish Rungta enlightened the audience about India’s Independence journey. He gave an overview of India House events and programs by showcasing the facility with its many free programs like, yoga & meditation; legal center providing

Houston interns at the Summer Enrichment Camp. Song written and rapped by the older students “India Oh Way!” featured interesting facts about India. The younger students’ skit featured a number of countries they had studied during their Summer Enrichment Camp here at India House. Through the skit and dance performances they travelled and educated the audience about France, Germany, India; and many countries in Africa and Latin America.

The events’ lite bites were sponsored by generous donors courtesy All Texas Vending, Charlie Patel of ICC, Deep Foods, Jimmy Johns, Madras Pavilion, Masala Munchies, Raja Sweets, Subway and Udipi.

The celebrations closed with giving away of Back-ToSchool Back Packs filled with essential school supplies to every child present. The Summer Camp event was sponsored by Houston Community College and The Back-To-School Back Packs were sponsored by ICC (India Culture Center) and The Office of Council Member Larry Green.

Community members, India House Summer camp students and friends of India join in the celebrations at India House. Photo by Bijay

For regular updates like us on Facebook/IndiaHouse For more information visit us at www.indiahouseinc.org

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Patanjali Meditation at Arya Samaj, Houston

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

‘Bonalu’ - A Thanksgiving festival celebrated with pomp in Houston

A yoga class in session at the Arya Samaj

M

any people are benefitting from Yoga exercises – body postures and breathing techniques – Asana and Pranayama.

However, this is just the tip of iceberg. Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga includes later elements of Pratyahara (Withdrawal from the outer world),Dharana (Concentration), Dhyana (Meditation – absolute blank mind) andSamadhi (Connection to the cosmic force/energy). There are some people learning Mindfulness Meditation when mind is focused on an object, mostly on the breathing process - Dharana (Concentration). But this also falls short of Patanjali Meditation that requires a still and blank mind – void of thoughts.

It may be a bit more challenging to attain but then the rewards are immense.

In simple terms, you can wash and service your car (or any gadget for that matter) if it is inactive. You cannot wash and service your car when you continue to drive it. It must be brought to an absolute inactive state and handed over to an expert mechanic. The same applies to our mind. We must bring it to an absolute inactive

state (for this reason, Patanjali defines Yoga asYogasChiitaVrittiNirodhah– Yoga is to bring mind to an absolute blank state) in meditation so that the superb mechanic that the mother nature is, can wash and service our mind. We know how to wash our body. Patanjali Meditation will allow you to wash your mind every day. Imagine living cheerful every moment - that is the power of Patanjali Meditation.

One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to conclude that there will be great benefits: better focus and memory, calm and peaceful mind, improved quality of work and relationships, etc. If you have interest in spirituality then Patanjali Meditation will help you know who you are: your Self deep within the shell of your mind.

Arya Samaj Greater Houston proudly takes the initiative to organize a condensed 4-month course on Patanjali Meditation from Wed 26 and Sat 29 Aug, in two batches, so that everybody can find it convenient to attend with the options of weekday evening and weekend. Interested? – write toinnersciences@ yahoo.com

Read more on Community www.voiceofasiaonline.com

Ladies dress in bright colored silks seen carrying the ornate pots in a procession.

by Rajender Aparasu

H

OUSTON: ‘Bonalu and Bathukamma’ the popular festivals of South India are regaining their importance in the state of their origin, Telangana, especially now after the formation of the new government there.

For second time, Telangana Association of Greater Houston (TAGH), a non-profit organization formed last year by the Telangana Non Resident Indians in Greater Houston Area, held the Bonalu Festival at Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir on August 8, 2015.The TAGH aims to preserve the cultural identity and contribute to its development.

It also provides a platform for literary, cultural, educational, social and developmental activities in Houston and in Telangana.

Bonalu is an annual “Thanksgiving” festival for Goddess Mahakali, the life saver for good health and prosperity, for the fulfillment of vows. It is also referred to as Ashada Jatra

Utsavalu as it falls in the month of Ashada Masam or around July/August. The festivities are celebrated at temples of Mahakali or Her other various form: Mysamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, Peddamma, Dokkalamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma, Maremma, Nookalamma etc. Bonam means Bhojanam in Telugu, a meal, which is an offering to Mother Goddess.

Women prepare rice cooked with milk, jaggery in a new brass or earthen pot adorned with neem leaves, turmeric, vermilion and a lighted diya on the top of the pot. Women carry the pots on their heads and make offering of Bonam along with turmeric, vermilion, bangles and saree to the Mother Goddess across the temples.

About 400 people attended the indoor and outdoor community event at the Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir. The sunny weather and the temple atmosphere provided an ideal stage for this summer event. The festivities started at 6:30 pm with a puja by Sri Madhusudhan Shas-

try, resident priest of Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, with invoking the Goddess Mahakali to drive out evil and rein in prosperity.

A special stage was created inside the temple for this purpose with alankaram, the decoration where people gathered to receive the blessings of the Goddess. Later everybody participated in a procession around the temple, the signature activity of Bonalu festival. Ladies wearing colorful festival sarees carried Bonam on their heads and men danced to the dole and music.

The procession ended indoors with ladies and girls dancing around Bonalu and men and boys forming their own dance groups. The energy and enthusiasm for the dance and music for more than an hour showed the devotion to the Goddess Mahashakthi and her various forms. The Bonalu and other devotional songs energized the dancing crowd. The volunteers provided butter milk to participants to quench the thirst and to re-energize them. For many, it reminded the festivities of the

childhood in their native land of Telangana. It was a teaching moment for the parents to pass their family rituals and values to their children.

The program ended with delicious feast prepared by Biryani Pot Restaurant. The families enjoyed the traditional dinner with their friends. This year’s event was led by Ram Surabi (Chair) and Saritha Gutha (Co-chair) with strong support from the organizing committee, volunteers, media sponsors, and local organizations. The committee thanked the volunteers for various activities ranging from stage set-up, food, and other arrangements. They also thanked Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir. The TAGH is reaching out to the communities for organizing festivals like Bonalu and Bathukamma. They are actively seeking support and contributions to their next signature event, Bathukamma, to be held in at Sri Ashtalakshmi temple on October 17, 2015.

For further details visit: http:// www.houstontelangana.org/ or www.tagh.org

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Chitra Divakaruni’s latest Oleander Girl, receives the prestigious Premio Scanno Award

Chitra Divakaruni

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hitra Divakaruni’s latest novel, Oleander Girl, has been awarded the prestigious Premio Scanno Award, now in its 42nd year, from Italy.

Divakaruni is the first person of Indian origin to have won this international award.

In the past, the prize has been won by such literary giants as John Updike, Mario Vargas Llosa, Saul Bellow, Gore Vidal and Kazuo Ishiguro.

The Scanno Prize is a recognition multidisciplinary organized and managed by the Foundation Tanturri. It is held annually in Scanno, in the province of Aquila.

The award is administered by the Fondazione Tanturri in Italy.

Extension of e-Tourist Visa scheme to 36 more countries and 7 more airports from Aug. 15 2015

T

he Government of India launched the e-Tourist Visa Scheme on 27th November 2014. The scheme, available at 9 airports (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi), has since been extended to 77 countries/territories.

With effect from 15th August 2015, the scheme is being extended to the following 36 more countries/territories, taking the total to 113 (One Hundred and Thirteen).

Further, with effect from 15th August 2015, visitors holding e-Tourist Visas will also be

able to arrive at 7 more Indian airports, as listed below, taking the total number of airports designated for this purpose to 16 (Sixteen).

Since the launch of the eTourist Visa Scheme on 27th November 2014, more than 200,000 such visas have been issued. It is expected that the addition of more countries/territories and designated airports to the Scheme will give a further boost to tourist arrivals into India.

Further details in this regard are available at the e-Tourist Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 11

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 34 Friday, August 21, 2015 Section 2 Page 11

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140

Gloves off as women take to Myanmar’s First women to graduate from elite US Ranger School ferocious kickboxing style

by Kelly MACNAMARA

Y

ANGON, Myanmar Moe Pwint Oo shoots the grimy punchbag a steely glare before slamming her fist into it, striking a blow for equality as she practises Myanmar’s homespun martial art Lethwei -- a sport that encourages head-butting and grants victory by knock-out only.

The petite medical sciences student is one of a growing number of women taking up Lethwei kickboxing, building up a sweat in the yard of a gritty Yangon gym where some of the country’s best fighters train alongside local enthusiasts, expats and even the odd actress.

“I think Lethwei is becoming really popular here because I see a lot of my friends here as well. But I am here to box not to socialise,” said Moe Pwint Oo, as a woman from Japan practised spin kicks in a makeshift ring behind her.

Lethwei fighters say their sport is the toughest member of Southeast Asia’s kickboxing family, leaving Thailand’s more famous Muay Thai in the blood-flecked dust thanks to its disdain for gloves and use of skull-cracking headbutts.

To win a Lethwei fight you must batter your opponent unconscious, or to the point where they surrender. If no one gets knocked out in five three-minute rounds, the match ends in a draw.

It is perhaps little wonder that few women traditionally enter the ring in Myanmar, where gender norms favour demure damsels over fearsome fighters.

But that has begun to change in recent years as gender roles shift, spurred by the country opening up to the world after decades of isolating military rule.

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is the most famous of a growing number of female politicians, while an impressive roster of successful businesswomen is taking advantage of the most buoyant economic outlook in decades.

The flash of a naked female knee does not have quite the scandalising power it once did, with short skirts an increasingly common sight on city streets -- although most women still opt to keep their hemlines at ankle level.

Around of half of the regulars at the Thut Ti (Courage) gym are women -- drawn to the intensity of the fitness level and authenticity of skill required in Lethwei.

“It’s really nice to have somebody like you here, because it’s like a guys’ place,” said Moe Pwint Oo, gesturing at knuckles strapped with red surgical tape.

Women make up about 15% of the US Army personnel

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A young woman practicing Myanmar’s homespun martial art Lethwei -- a sport that encourages head-butting and grants victory by knock-out only -- at a gym in Yangon (AFP Photo/Ye Aung Thu)

Having spent years outside her homeland, which is also known as Burma, she said she “wanted to do something very traditional, very Burmese” in her summer break from studying at Aberdeen University in Scotland.

- Bare-knuckle combat Lethwei has an ancient history in Myanmar.

Carvings on the temples of Bagan, which dot the central Myanmar plains, appear to show pairs of men locked in combat, suggesting the sport is over a thousand years old, said Win Zin Oo, founder of the Thut Ti gym, who is also a former vice president of the Myanmar Lethwei Federation.

matches and only one defeat, gave up farming in his native Karen state to take up the sport professionally because “I might be famous one day”.

His gym is increasingly popular and around half of all those training at the gym are women, including local models, singers and actresses.

But the tournaments are seen as family affairs and many include bouts with boys as young as 10.

He said there was some “sensitivity” about how women should be treated, but insisted the gym did not discriminate.

For those who do, endurance is as important as aggression.

Lethwei boxer Tha Pyay Nyo, who has a formidable record of more than 150

Hundreds of couples reenact Times Square kiss

“I want the world to know our courage through Myanmar traditional boxing,” he told AFP before the match.

Spectators in front row seats are close enough to hear bones shatter and be sporadically showered with blood, sweat and spittle.

He normally advises enthusiasts not to attempt a fight.

The women who graduate this week will still not be allowed to serve with the 75th Ranger Regiment, which has yet to lift its bar on female soldiers.

The televised tournament was a chance to showcase some of the fighting spirit of a national sport that has languished in the shadow of its better-known Thai cousin.

Win Zin Oo hopes Myanmar will borrow from the success of its Thai neighbours in promoting its own kickboxing brand.

“All components of the body can be used as weapons; punches, knee strikes, elbow beats, head butts, you can throw (your opponent)...

If you want to compete in the real Lethwei ring as a professional you must be really tough,” he told AFP.

Graduates of the training program are some of the toughest

and most physically fit soldiers in the US Army, trained in airborne and air assault operations.

The 25-year-old recently branched out into mixed martial arts, or “cage fighting”, competing in his debut international tournament as part of the first ONE Championship event in Myanmar.

In modern times it was kept alive in the eastern border states of Karen and Mon, where kickboxing bouts are held to mark everything from monks’ funerals to New Year festivities.

Win Zin Oo conceded that the bare-knuckle fighting style was “robust”.

ASHINGTON AFP - Two American women will on Friday become the first female soldiers to graduate from the elite Ranger School combat leadership course, the military said.

- ‘Very empowering’ -

“Some (women) students they are really really good, even in terms of decisiveness I think. So it’s a little unfair (to say) ‘oh women are weak, men are strong’,” he said.

When she returns to Scotland, Moe Pwint Oo will have to make do with Muay Thai, in which headbutts are banned and protective clothing is worn, to keep training.

But she said she was hooked on Myanmar’s more fearsome version.

“It makes you fit, it’s traditional and then you know it’s very empowering, especially for women,” she said.

Couples, some dressed as sailors and nurses, embrace in Times Square on August 14, 2015 in New York (AFP Photo/Don Emmert).

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EW YORK, - Hundreds of couples poured into New York’s Times Square Friday to reenact the famous photograph of a kiss between a sailor and a woman celebrating the end of World War II. Photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt took the photograph as news broke that Japan had surrendered on August 14, 1945, bringing to a close the most brutal conflict the world has ever known.

The photo, known as “V-J Day in Times Square” for Victory over Japan, shows an American sailor kissing a woman in white, full on the mouth as her right foot rises off the ground.

Some of Friday’s couples turned out in replica outfits, the men dressed in sailor suits and the women in white.

They clasped each other, locking lips in the same pose to the delight of passing tourists.

1945, more than two million people are estimated to have gathered in Times Square to hear the news and share in the joy.

World War II veterans Ray and Ellie Williams, who got married on August 15, 1945, were guests of honor and flew in from the southern US state of Georgia for the event.

Eisenstaedt’s photograph was published in Life magazine. He was in so much haste to cover the breaking news that he did not stop to ask the name of the couple.

Ray Williams said he remembered the joy and jubilation that greeted the end of the war.

Their faces are not clearly visible in the photograph and their identity remains a mystery. Eleven men and three women have since come forward to claim they are in the photograph.

“We experienced that joy, it was a Friday evening. Jubilation broke out all over the country,” he said. “We were double excited, celebrating the end of the war and also our marriage.”

A sculpture of the kiss was also installed in Times Square for the occasion.

In the evening of August 14,

Japan surrendered on August 14, 1945 after America dropped two atomic bombs, on Hiroshima et Nagasaki, which killed more than 100,000 people instantly.

Tokyo signed its surrender on September 2.

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LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Pakistan’s answer to ‘The Onion’ tackles tough topics with satire

Discovery Channel to mark 20 years in India by airing 3-part series on India’s freedom struggle

by Guillaume LAVALLÉE

I

slamabad - From a mullah who wants a military operation against women wearing jeans to “uncircumcised” Islamic State fighters, a satirical Pakistani website is using humour to shine a light on current affairs in the turbulent nation.

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And the public, though initially nervous, now can’t get enough of it.

Born a year ago, amid massive anti-government street protests, Khabaristan is inspired by satirical US news website The Onion and American comedian Jon Stewart, who retired last week after 15 years hosting the caustic “Daily Show”.

“You want to change something you have to criticise yourself, your own country, your own leaders,” said Kunwar Khuldune Shahid, one of the founders of the Khabaristan Times.

With its tantalising, entirely made-up stories, the Khabaristan Times -- which takes its name from Khabar, meaning “news” and “stan” from Pakistan -- cleverly shines a light on the country’s conspiracy theories and obsessions.

One piece, headlined “Pakistan will not tolerate any nonUS drone”, mocks what most believe is the government’s position on America’s drone strikes against the Taliban and other Islamist rebels, denouncing them in public while secretly supporting them.

Another joke article said the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency had found that most Islamic State fighters were uncircumcised, “proving” the Middle Eastern militant group were not Muslims, but backed by the West -- a common conspiracy theory in Pakistan.

And the Khabaristan Times’s humour has certainly been misunderstood, with both Indian and British media earlier this year mistaking a tongue-incheek article -- clearly satirical to Pakistani readers -- for fact.

The piece was about the head of one of the country’s main Islamist parties, Fazlur Rehman, calling for military intervention against women in jeans, dub-

Pakistanis browse the Khabaristan Times website at a store in Rawalpindi on August 12, 2015 (AFP Photo/Farooq Naeem) bing them Pakistan’s “worst enemy”.

The “news” went viral, to the surprise of the staff of the Khabaristan Times.

Westerners “were commenting on the page: ‘we can’t tell this is satire because it didn’t say it was.’ They thought everything was true!” said Luavut Zahid, Kunwar’s co-founder.

Yet Western news satire has also proved an inspiration for the site, the bubbly 28-year-old said.

“Jon Stewart! I cried (during the last episode),” she said.

“He is so good, it’s impossible not to be influenced by that guy.”

“Unless you follow (current affairs) on a daily basis, you won’t get most of what Jon Stewart is saying or you don’t get most of what we are publishing,” added Kunwar.

- Religion and blasphemy While there is a long and rich tradition of caricaturists bravely defying the Taliban with their pens in Pakistan, written satire is more recent but very much alive.

A controversial law against blasphemy can see anyone who insults the Prophet Mohammed

get the death penalty.

And while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it also imposes restrictions when it comes to “the glory of Islam” and the “defence” of the country.

“I am pretty sure that... people from the intelligence agencies have read the Khabaristan Times,” said Kunwar.

“They have seen what we have done but again they won’t treat it as if the same piece is published in a daily publication.

They might not like it but they know it is nothing serious.”

The website also knows how to show restraint during difficult times. In December, it stopped updating for several days after the Taliban school massacre that killed 134 children in Peshawar.

The site again referenced the Charlie Hebdo massacre in a piece called “Je suis Mumtaz Qadri”. Qadri was responsible for killing a provincial governor who had advocated reform of the blasphemy law.

While the Khabaristan Times does not shy away from criticising high-profile targets, it has several red lines, such as publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. “Our point is not to hurt anyone,” Luavut said.

Kunwar admits that while the site’s staff impose some limits

EW DELHI - Discovery Channel is celebrating 20 years in India with a launch of a threepart array with singular archival footage to recount a story of a birth of eccentric India.

recount a stories of India and a emergence. The special choice will revitalise a many memories of autonomy and betray some of a intriguing contribution of India’s freedom,” Johri combined in a statement.

The show, patrician “India Emerges: A Visual History”, will take a viewers behind to a British epoch and uncover a scattered decades of India’s leisure onslaught and after years.

The footage will take viewers to a cadence of midnight in Aug 1947 when India became giveaway and along a new borders of a partitioned India.

“It’s a unapproachable impulse for us as we finish 20 stately years in India. What serve amplifies a fad is we applaud this day on a autonomy (day),” pronounced Rahul Johri, executive vice-president and ubiquitous manager-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

“We are happy to move onward a programme that will on their satire, “by other people standards it is still long way away from where they stand.”

Any threats, for now, remain virtual.

“There was some random dude saying these people should be hanged... But he is not actually going to do it,” said Luavut.

Indian Dance Crew ‘Desi Hoppers’ Win World Of Dance Title In Los Angeles

The array will cap with a presentation of a strong, on-going and colourful India after many challenges.

Discovery Channel will atmosphere a uncover each day during 8 p.m. on 14, 15 and 16 August. IANS The site is gaining in popularity with about 100,000 hits per month compared with 400 when it started.

For Luavut, Khabaristan’s style of humour is a necessary respite from the daily anxiety in Pakistan.

“I think all of us sort of need that in this country. We need a break from actual news.” AFP.

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However, apart from special instances like the massacre, in the Republic of Khabaristan no-one is immune from criticism -- politicians, mullahs, religion, or even the army.

In another article, the Khabaristan Times joked that a local Islamist leader had praised Pope Francis for his statement against blasphemy after the attack on French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, calling the Catholic leader “the best of kafirs’, or non-believers.

The programme will speak about a wars of 1965 and 1971 opposite Pakistan and a duration of Emergency among others.

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Pahlaj Nihalani’s second song about ‘action hero’ Modi on India’s Independence Day The ‘Desi Hoppers’ crowned as winners. by Aashmita Nayar Indian dance crew ‘Desi Hoppers’ pulled off the perfect post-Independence Day coupe -- the team of seven young dancers were crowned the winners of the World Dance Championship in Los Angeles.

The crew led by Shantanu Maheshwari, Macedon Dmello and Nimit Kotian put India on the map as the first desi troupe to not only represent, but also win the illustrious title. According to reports, they scored 96.33 points, while the Canadians finished up second with a score of 94 points out of 34 crews from over 14 countries, bringing hope to hundreds of budding dancers in India. The competition (started in 2008) was judged by Matt Steffanina, Galen Hooks, Arnel Calvario, Jun Quemado and Beau

Fournier, all internationally recognised dancers.

The trio, in an interview with Financial Express couldn’t be more jubilant: “At this point, it is difficult to explain our feeling in words, but definitely it is a proud moment for not just us but for the entire country. Bindass Naach started as a dream and we never thought that we will reach this far. There couldn’t be a better timing to win the WOD the very next day to our Independence Day. This is our tribute to the country. We hope that this win will definitely inspire many young Indians and give them a message that if you can dream, you can achieve them too.”

The winners received a cheque of $5,000 and a trophy, along with a standing ovation

from the crowd. They also won the ‘Crowd Favourite Trophy’ at the event.

Dressed in white outfits with tricolor headbands, the young dancers (all in their twenties) started with a formation of Lord Ganesha, and after the religious Ganpati Bappa Morya chant (three of them are from Mumbai) switched to more international numbers, along with a mix of ‘Jumme Ki Raat Hai’ from the film ‘Kick’.

According to a report, Shantanu Maheshwari, who also represents a Chandigarh team in cricket, will soon be acting in Yeh Hai Aashiqui.

It’s probably safe to say these young boys have already provided Disney with a script for ABCD 3. (HuffPost India)

W

hen Pahlaj Nihalani isn’t getting cuss words (or even words like ‘lesbian’) deleted from movies or fighting with colleagues, he likes to return to his favourite activity – writing songs about his favourite action hero. The new song is a sequel of the ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ song and will release on August 15.

He was quoted saying: “This is a sequel to the first song that we created as a team, which was to showcase Narendra Modiji as the leader. This song is dedicated to the PM. No other PM has ever given such direct benefits to the people with his actions.”

He also said: “I felt the time was right for another patriotic song. I hope my song Mera desh mahaan mera desh jawaan will bond the youngsters of the country in a collective clasp

Pahlaj Nihalani of nationalism.” Since Nihalani took over, he has had a troubled regime even with his colleagues, which includes BJP supporters, criticising his high-handedness. There were rumours that he would be removed, but just like Gajendra

Chauhan at FTII, he has simply refused to budge.

In case you forgot, here’s the first song: And while that’s nice, we still don’t think it can hold a candle to the NaMo Rap:

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 13

Friday, August 21, 2015

Section 2

Page 13

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Study links homework to ‘family stress’ WASHINGTON, 8/13/2015 With youngsters in the United States getting ready to go back to school, a new study indicates that the homework they bring home is adding to “family stress.”

Researchers studied 1,173 English- and Spanish-speaking parents in Rhode Island with children in kindergarten through high school to take stock of the impact of homework.

They focused on “the 10minute rule” -- the principle, set in 2006 by the NEA teach-

ers’ union -- that the time kids spend on homework should be the equivaliant of their grade level times 10.

homework load increased and as parent’s perception of their capacity to assist decreased,” it added.

Thus, a first grader should get 10 minutes of homework a day, a seventh grader 70 minutes and a 12th grader 120 minutes.

“The amount of homework load reported also varied significantly between English and Spanish speakers, as it did between parents with limited education and those with advanced education.”

In fact, the study -- in the current issue of the American Journal of Family Therapy -- found that primary school children were getting three times more homework than recommended under the 10-minute rule.

“Family stress ... increased as

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

Better hygiene in schools in Ebola epicentre pays off: UN

The study recommended better application of the 10 minute rule, and homework assignments that call for parents to be supportive mentors, not skilled tutors.

Study finds link between e-cigarettes, smoking in US youths

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IAMI, 8/18/2015 - A study of high school students in California out Tuesday has shown that those who have tried e-cigarettes are more likely to also try traditional cigarettes or cigars.

years, particularly among vulnerable youths worldwide.

However, the findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association stop short of showing that e-cigarettes cause teens to try other forms of tobacco, and scientists said more research is needed to explore any such link.

At the beginning of the study, all reported never having used combustible tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars or hookahs.

E-cigarettes are batterypowered devices that heat a nicotine-containing liquid that is inhaled by the user, a process known as “vaping.”

They are not currently subject to the same regulations as tobacco cigarettes, and some health experts are concerned that their use will balloon in the coming

The JAMA study was based on a pool of 2,530 students, with an average age of 14, from 10 public high schools in Los Angeles.

A total of 222 said they had tried e-cigarettes.

Students answered surveys after six months and then again after one year of enrollment, describing their use of any combustible tobacco products.

Those who used e-cigarettes were more likely than students who did not try the devices to report smoking cigarettes, cigars or hookahs during the study period.

In all, 31 percent of e-cigarette users tried other forms of tobacco, compared to eight percent of non-vapers, after six months of follow up.

Some experts stressed that the findings do not show cause and effect.

“The new study does not show that vaping leads to smoking,” said Peter Hajek, professor of clinical psychology at the University of London.

“It just shows that people who are attracted to e-cigarettes are the same people who are attracted to smoking,” he added.

“Despite the headlines this study will generate, there is no evidence to suggest that experimentation with vaping among non-smokers leads to even regular vaping, let alone to smoking.”

A student washes her hands before heading to her classroom at Don Bosco High School in the Liberian capital Monrovia on February 16, 2015 (AFP Photo/Zoom Dosso).

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AKAR, Senegal | AFP | 8/12/2015 - Better hygiene in schools in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea -- the epicentre of the Ebola epidemic -- has dramatically cut infections among teachers and students, the UN said on Wednesday.

troduced when classes resumed at the beginning of the year,” a UNICEF statement said.

Some five million children in the three west African countries had their studies disrupted as schools were closed from July last year until January, the UN children’s agency said.

“The massive effort that went into making schools as safe from Ebola transmission as possible appears to have paid off,” said Geoff Wiffin, the UNICEF representative in Sierra Leone.

“There have been no reported cases of a student or teacher being infected at a school since strict hygiene protocols were in-

But it added that in Liberia, two schools had to be decontaminated as a precaution after a student died in June and another was infected in July.

“Children learned in school how to protect themselves and others from Ebola, and they

passed on those messages to their parents and their communities. This played an important role in the battle against the epidemic.”

The measures developed by UNICEF and its partners include taking the temperature of children and staff at the school gate and installing hand washing stations. They also involved the distribution of millions of bars of soap and chlorine.

Ebola has claimed around 11,300 lives since late 2013.

More than 99 percent of these occurred in the three west African countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Mar Thoma Church Diocese of North America and Europe 36th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference Worship. The conference concluded on Sunday with Holy Communion which was well attended.

As a first time attendee of a Diocesan Youth Conference, I had a very blessed experi-

Youth who participated at the 36th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference.

by Nisha George

T

he 36th annual Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) was hosted by the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Delaware Valley at West Chester University of Pennsylvania from Thursday July 30, 2015 to Sunday August 2, 2015. The conference was led by our beloved Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Mar Theodosius, Youth Chaplains: Rev. Dennis Abraham,

Rev. George Cherian, and Rev. Shibi Abraham, and the main speaker, Dr. Shaun Rajan.

Each delegate was implored to reflect upon their own “Spiritual Struggle in Christ” and reflect on Romans 5: 3-5, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame,

because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” The DYC 2015 officially inaugurated with an inspiring message from Theodosius Thirumeni followed by the Lighting of the Lamp.

We were blessed with the attendance of several achens from the Diocese. In the subsequent days, delegates from all over the nation and

Canada participated in team building activities that garnered lasting relationships and sessions that focused on recognizing, understanding, and confronting struggles.

Some of these sessions include four main talks based on the theme led by Dr. Shaun Rajan, small group sessions facilitated by group leaders, track sessions led by Rev. George Cherian, Rev. Shibi Abraham, and Dr. Prakash Verghese, and Praise and

ence. Through the combined efforts of the Delaware Valley Youth Fellowship group and church, the support of our beloved Rev. Roy A. Thomas, and most importantly by God’s grace, DYC 2015 was a huge success.

VOICE OF ASIA 14

HEALTH, SC & TECH

NASA offers $1,500 prize to design a smartwatch app for astronauts

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ASA is offering a reward of USD 1,500 to anyone who can design a smartwatch app that will allow astronauts onboard the International Space Station to easily access information.

“We (NASA) are interested in the emerging world of smartwatch technology and are looking to leverage this technology to create a smart-

watch app that could be helpful to astronauts,” NASA said in a post on Freelancer website. “The challenge is to design the general user interface for smartwatch applications for use on the International Space Station,” the post said.

The examples of what should be included in the app include an agenda view of the crew’s Timeline, which they currently view on an iPad or

laptop; colour-coded alerts and warnings; communication status, which indicates whether the ISS is currently able to communicate with Earth; and timers that will allow astronauts to time their procedures and activities.

These functions should be able to direct an astronaut’s attention to the information they need to increase efficiency, provide feedback for

the astronaut’s actions, and fit within a small, smartwatchsized screen, ‘CNET’ reported. The functions should be available within a single app, designed to run on the Samsung Gear 2.

Participants don’t actually have to make the app. Instead, they have to design the app’s user interface and present the finished work in the form of image files.

Astronomers discover ‘young Jupiter’

M

IAMI - Astronomers have discovered a planet 100 light years away that looks a lot like Jupiter once did and may offer new insights on how planets are formed, researchers said Thursday.

It is “the first young planet that probably looks like Jupiter did billions of years ago, making it currently our most important corner-piece of the planet formation jigsaw puzzle,” said Travis Barman, an associate professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona.

Enshrouded in methane, the planet is about twice the mass of Jupiter -- the largest planet in our solar system -- and contains the strongest methane signature ever detected in the atmosphere of an alien planet.

Its temperature is estimated to be about 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 Celsius), hot enough to melt lead.

“This is exactly the kind of

Google can tell you if solar roof panels will pay off

S

AN FRANCISCO Google has got a good look at your roof, and can tell you if it is worth the investment to install solar energy panels.

The US tech giant said its “Project Sunroof” online tool is now available in the area around San Francisco and Fresno in California and around Boston, Massachusetts.

The new tool “uses highresolution aerial mapping (the same used by Google Earth) to help you calculate your roof’s solar energy potential, without having to climb up any ladders,” Google engineer Carl Elkin said in a blog post.

The website “figures out how much sunlight hits your rooftop throughout the year, taking into account factors like roof orientation, shade from trees and nearby buildings, and local weather patterns” and then “combines all this information to estimate the amount you could potentially save with so-

Known as 51 Eridani b, it is the first exoplanet detected by a new instrument called the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), according to the report in the journal Science.

The star it circles, 51 Eridani, is just 20 million years old -- fairly young considering the Sun is about 4.5 billion years old.

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

lar panels,” Elkin said.

It can also connect homeowners with local solar providers.

Elkin said the effort aims to overcome consumer concerns and encourage the use of green energy that reduces carbon emissions.

“The cost of solar power is at a record low,” he said.

“A typical solar home can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on their electricity bill.

“But, as a volunteer with the Boston-based solar program Solarize Massachusetts and a solar homeowner myself, I’ve always been surprised at how many people I encounter who think that ‘my roof isn’t sunny enough for solar,’ or ‘solar is just too expensive.’”

Google hopes to expand the project to additional regions “in the coming months,” Elkin said.

Google’s Android update: code name Marshmallow An artistic conception of the Jupiter-like exoplanet, 51 Eri b, seen in the near-infrared light that shows the hot layers deep in its atmosphere glowing through clouds.

(Photo: Danielle Futselaar & Franck Marchis, SETI Institute). planet we envisioned discovering when we designed GPI,” said James Graham, a University of California, Berkeley professor of astronomy and the GPI project scientist.

“We wanted to find planets when they’re young so we can figure out the formation process.”

The Gemini Planet Imager was designed to discover faint, young planets orbiting bright stars.

The instrument is about the size of a small car and is mounted on the eight-meter (yard) Gemini South telescope in Chile. It began operating in December 2014.

A separate NASA mission known as the Kepler space telescope searches for planets by studying the dim in starlight that can be glimpsed when a planet passes in front of a star.

Kepler’s main goal is to find Earth-like planets that might be able to support life.

S

AN FRANCISCO Google gave a name Monday to its soon-tobe released operating system for its Android mobile devices: Marshmallow.

download the software.

The moniker for the 6.0 version of the dominant mobile computing system follows a tradition of using sugary treats for Android including Lollipop (5.0), KitKat (4.4), Jellybean (4.1) and Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0).

Marshmallow also streamlines the “permissions” model for users to install and upgrade apps.

“Whether you like them straight out of the bag, roasted to a golden brown exterior with a molten center, or in fluff form, who doesn’t like marshmallows?” product manager Jamal Eason asked in a post on the Android developer blog.

Eason said developers seeking to develop or update applications for Android can now

The latest version includes enhancements including fingerprint sensors and an updated power-saving mode.

Users running certain apps will not need to grant any permissions when they install or upgrade, and the applications instead request permissions as it needs them, according to Google.

Android is used in nearly 80 percent of smartphones worldwide, although many devices use older versions for which upgrades are not available. Android is also the leading platform for tablets, according to market surveys.

US to extend Internet oversight role

S

AN FRANCISCO The US is extending its oversight of a body that controls part of the Internet’s structure, the Department of Commerce said, postponing a possible handover of responsibilities to a private entity.

Assistant secretary for communications Lawrence Strickling posted an update Monday on plans to hand over domain name system oversight to a private body.

A plan under consideration would see the nonprofit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) create a separate legal body that would be contracted to handle key technical functions of the online address system.

Such a system would help put to rest questions about why the US has a unique role in the functioning of the global Internet.

But Strickling said more work is needed before a handover is ready.

“It has become increasingly apparent over the last few months that the community needs time to complete its work, have the plan reviewed by the US Government and then implement it if it is approved,” he wrote.

The extension allows the US to continue its current arrangement with ICANN until 2016, and extend for three more years if need be.

ICANN assigns domain names for the Internet including the “.com” or “.co” parts of addresses.

The US government in March 2014 outlined its plan to step away from its oversight role and fully privatize the functions of ICANN. ICANN published a report on the plan earlier this month.

‘Half a million ants march in Germany’ for protection of Amazon rainforest

B

ERLIN - Half a million ants were enlisted at a German zoo Tuesday by ecologists from the conservation group WWF to call for the protection of the Amazon rainforest, ahead of a trip by Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel to Brazil.

At what the group described as a demonstration, leafcutter ants -- a species indigenous to the world’s biggest forest -- were seen carrying leaves bearing slogans cut out by WWF activists such as “Save the Amazon” and “Help, Merkel”.

The action organised by the zoo in Cologne aims at calling on the German leader to push for the protection of the Amazon when she meets Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff on Thursday.

“The German government should use this meeting to redouble collective efforts at protecting the Amazon tropical forest,” said Christoph Heinrich, a board member of WWF Germany.

The Amazon, the largest forest in the world, has been slowly eaten away by deforestation as well as illegal mining.

VOICE OF ASIA 15

Bollywood Masala

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Friday, August 21, 2015

Section 2

Page 15

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Deepika Padukone in Sriram Salman Khan’s next will Raghavan’s next film? be another tearjerker

Sriram Raghavan ans Deepika Padkone. “She (Deepika) is a talented actress and we would like to work with her. But till I don’t finish my script I can’t talk about it (casting),” he said.

M

UMBAI - Bollywood filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, who is working on the film adaptation of Vikas Swarup’s “The Accidental Apprentice”, says he would love to have actress Deepika Padukone onboard the project.

“I have not finalised her (Deepika) yet but we would love to work with her. I have just met her and sounded her the idea,” Raghavan told PTI. “She (Deepika) is a talented actress and we would like to work with her. But till I don’t finish my script I can’t talk about it (casting),” he said.

When asked whether Deepika liked the idea, Raghavan said, “She is aware about the book.

She has read the book but the book and movie are two different things. Once my script is ready then I will talk about casting.”

However, the “Badlapur” helmer has not thought of casting other actors for the film.

“I don’t think we will go with newcomers not for a main role.

I think we will go with a star as that is the requirement,” he added.

The “Johnny Gaddar” director is yet to finish writing.

“I am still not fully ready with the script. I had told them (producers) by end of June., that I will finish it but I haven’t.

We are yet to cast anyone for the film ,” he added.

‘Manjhi-the Mountain Man’ tax-free in Bihar

According to him, changing a novel into a film is a bit easy.

“The good thing is the story is already there… characters are fetched out. It is not like starting all fresh. After that it is a matter of structuring. It is easier to adapt than write your own story.”

Once Raghavan is done with script he would show it to its author.

“That is a later stage discussion as I can talk about it once I am ready with the script. Once I am done with writing the script then I have to meet the author take his feedback and then I can talk about it in detail.”

Meanwhile, Deepika is busy shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mastani”.

Salman Khan in and Sonam Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

M

UMBAI - After a blockbuster film that made grown men bawl, Salman Khan is starring in a full-on family drama, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. He says he’ll set off the waterworks in this one as well.

Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun fame, “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo will bring out the internal conflicts in families...between brothers and sisters,” Salman Khan said to the press. “So just prepare yourselves and hold your tears.”

The film revolves around a king (Salman) who’s grown weary of his responsibilities, so he swaps places with an ordinary man who looks exactly like him. Salman will thus play a double role in the film, and rumour has it that he also has to deliver a few lines in French!

According to the Indian Express, “One of Salman’s avatar is crowned King in the movie.

Media personnel from all over the world are invited to witness the coronation ceremony.

Here Salman Khan will be seen

giving bytes prominently in French.” A tutor is helping Salman pick up on the nuances of the language.

While the family drama gets tense as a step-brother tries to wrangle the throne from Salman, it is the sister’s role, played by Sonam Kapoor, that will be key in the film. This is the second film, after Saawariya, in which the two will star together.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is slated for a November 2015 release.

Actress Kiara Advani will play Sakshi Dhoni in the upcoming M.S. Dhoni Biopic Casting an actress to play the First Lady of Indian cricket cannot be an easy task, but it’s definitely not impossible.

Poster of the film ‘Manjhi-the Mountain Man’ Patna, Aug 17 (PTI) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the Bihar government has made the upcoming movie “Manjhi - The Mountain Man” tax free in the state.

“The Bihar government has already announced to waive off tax on the film ‘Manjhi-the Mountain Man’,” Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of “Janata Ke Darbar me Mukhya Mantri” programme.

The film is based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi, a poor labourer hailing from Gehlaur village in Gaya district widely known as the “Mountain Man”.

He had laid a road through the mountain using only hammer and chisel in memory of his wife who passed away without medical treatment as travel to the nearest hospital took a lot of time due to the mountain.

The film is directed by Ketan Mehta. Nawazuddin Siddiqui enacted the role of Dashrath Manjhi, while Radhika Apte played Manjhi’s wife.

The film is scheduled for release on August 21, 2015.

The cast of the film paid a visit to Gaya last evening as a part of an event to promote the movie.

According to a Bombay Times report, director Neeraj Pandey has finally zeroed in on an actress to play Sakshi Dhoni in his upcoming biopic MS Dhoni - The Untold Story, based on Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s illustrious career. After months of auditions, Pandey has selected actress Kiara Advani to play the role of Dhoni’s wife opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, who’s playing ‘Captain Cool’ himself.

File photos of Sakshi Dhoni (left) and Kiara Advani, (right) who will be playing the former in the upcoming ‘MS Dhoni - The Untold Story’ Photo credit HuffPost.

Advani, who is 23 years old, debuted last year with the poorly received drama Fugly. She is connected to the film industry in many ways. Aside from the great-granddaughter of yesteryears actor Ashok Kumar, she is also the great grand niece of Saeed Jaffrey, the niece of exmodel Shaheen Jaffrey as well as actress Juhi Chawla. When she first joined the industry, she was also reportedly supported

by Salman Khan, who once dated her aunt Shaheen.

Finding the right actress to

MS Dhoni

play Sakshi was apparently a challenge, according to an unnamed source, as the director was insistent on finding an “actor without baggage”. “He didn’t wish to cast a leading

lady who has done many roles because he didn’t want the audience to have a preconceived notion or form an impression about her,” added the source.

Reportedly, the chemistry between her and Rajput during the audition is said to have been what made her land the role. The film will be going on floors by the end of this month.

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VOICE OF ASIA 16

Friday, August 21, 2015

Section 2

Page 16

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

New step toward making painkillers from yeast

M

IAMI | AFP | Thursday 8/13/2015 - A team of US scientists said Thursday they have taken an important step toward engineering painkillers from yeast, a process that has raised both hope and concern worldwide.

The report in the US journal Science describes how researchers at Stanford University genetically engineered yeast to convert sugar into hydrocodone -- an opioid in the same chemical family as morphine -- in just three to five days.

However, it would take a huge amount a yeast to make just one dose of painkiller, the researchers added.

Typically, it take more than a year to produce a batch of medicine from poppy plants, which are harvested, processed and shipped to pharmaceutical factories so that the active drug molecules can be extracted and refined.

The engineered yeast was made with a combination of “plant, bacterial, and rodent

genes to turn sugar into thebaine, the key opiate precursor to morphine and other powerful painkilling drugs,” said the report.

“The molecules we produced and the techniques we developed show that it is possible to make important medicines from scratch using only yeast,” said senior author Christina Smolke, an associate professor of bioengineering at Stanford.

“If responsibly developed, we can make and fairly provide medicines to all who need.”

Other researchers have made a series of advances using yeast over the past year, in what an accompanying report in Science magazine called “a race to install the complex opioid pathway in yeast.”

The report went on to describe the Stanford team’s advance as “one of the most elaborate feats of synthetic biology to date.”

Jens Nielsen, a synthetic biologist at Chalmers University of Technology in Goteborg, Sweden -- who was not involved

in the research -- called it as a “major milestone.”

Some experts have raised concern about technology that could facilitate home-brewed heroin and other painkillers.

Prescription opioids are addictive and already cause thousands of overdose deaths in the United States each year.

Others say such technology could make it easier to get painkillers to those in need who do not have access to them around the globe.

The World Health Organization estimates that 5.5 billion people have little or no access to pain medications.

Still, the prospect of homebrewed heroin is quite a ways off.

Smolke’s team said they went only so far as to demonstrate a proof of principle, and that it would take 4,400 gallons of bioengineered yeast to make a single dose of painkiller, according to a university statement.

US regulators to decide on ‘female Viagra’

by Kerry SHERIDAN

W

ASHINGTON, AFP - US regulators are expected to decide Tuesday whether to approve a drug nicknamed the “female Viagra,” which would be the first pill on the market to raise women’s sex drive.

This time, the experts voted 18-6 in favor of allowing the drug on the market, but with some additional risk-control measures to make sure doctors prescribe it only to patients who need it and that women are aware of the risks.

The FDA is not required to follow the advice of the panel, but it often does.

A spokeswoman for Sprout Pharmaceuticals in North Carolina told AFP that the FDA decision was expected Tuesday but was unsure what time. An FDA spokeswoman declined to comment.

If approved, flibanserin would be sold under the name “Addyi,” and marketed toward pre-menopausal women.

It can have significant side effects including nausea, dizziness and sleepiness.

Safety concerns include sleepiness, fainting, low blood pressure and the potential for hormonal contraceptives and alcohol use to make side effects worse.

An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration urged regulators to approve the drug, flibanserin, after previously voting against it twice in years past Experts also raised questions about the increased risk of breast cancer seen in one of two studies on lab animals.

- Most commonly diagnosed disorder The drug is a non-hormonal agent that acts on neurotransmitters in the brain, and aims to treat a condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or loss of interest in sex, among women who have not yet entered menopause.

Rebecca Zucconi, an assistant professor of medical sciences at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, said the condition is the most commonly diagnosed sexual dysfunction in women.

“Until now, physicians have been limited to recommending education, counseling, psychotherapy and, in some cases, offlabel usage of testosterone and

ASHINGTON, | AFP | 8/18/2015 Being overweight more than doubles the risk of bowel cancer in people with a certain gene disorder, but a regular dose of aspirin can reverse the trend, a study found Monday.

University and the University of Leeds in Britain found that being overweight increases the risk of bowel cancer by 2.75 times.

The international study, published in the US-based Journal of Clinical Oncology, followed 937 people with an inherited genetic disorder known as Lynch Syndrome in 16 countries, in some cases over a decade.

“Obesity increases the inflammatory response,” said lead researcher John Burn, professor of Clinical Genetics at Newcastle University.

About half of the people with the disease eventually develop cancer.

Study participants took two aspirin tablets (600 milligrams each) or a placebo per day for two years.

The researchers at Newcastle

U

NITED NATIONS, | AFP | 8/13/2015 - The Ebola epidemic in West Africa could be completely over by the end of the year if efforts to root out new cases are kept up, the WHO chief said Thursday.

World Health Organization director Margaret Chan cautioned there could be setbacks in the coming months but said Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone could begin 2016 completely Ebola-free.

“If the current intensity of case detection and contact tracing is sustained, the virus could be soundly defeated by the end of this year,” Chan told the United Nations Security Council.

“That means getting to zero and staying at zero,” she said during a special meeting on the disease.

Around 11,300 people have died from Ebola since late 2013 in the world’s worst outbreak of the often fatal illness that began in Guinea and spread to neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Liberia, the hardest-hit country, was declared Ebola-free in May, but six new cases last month raised fears that the virus had not been completely beaten back.

This represents the lowest numbers seen in well over a year, she said.

estrogen therapy as treatment options for otherwise healthy women with HSDD,” Zucconi said.

“Importantly, the advisory panel gave its approval with specific concerns regarding flibanserin’s safety when combined with certain medications or with alcohol.

“If approved by the FDA, flibanserin will likely be marketed and prescribed with explicit restrictions to this effect.”

But participants who took aspirin had the same risk, whether or not they were obese.

“One explanation for our findings is that the aspirin may be suppressing that inflammation which opens up new avenues of research into the cause of cancer.”

Burn recommended, however, that patients consult their doctor before taking aspirin on a regular basis as the drug is known to be associated with a

Earlier this month, the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which has been on the frontlines of the Ebola battle, warned that the epidemic was by no means over.

“The Ebola epidemic in West Africa is far from under control,” according to Joanne Liu, who heads MSF. Cases are still reported weekly, new communities are being infected and bodies are being buried in secret -- a major problem for a disease transmitted though contact with body fluids, she wrote in the science journal Nature.

Two attempts at bringing the drug to market failed in 2010 and 2013, given what experts described as inconclusive advantages when compared to a placebo.

The WHO chief cautioned against “a false sense of security,” warning that a single undetected case can ignite a major flare-up.

According to documents on the FDA website, women taking flibanserin reported on average 4.4 sexually satisfying encounters per month, compared to 3.7 in a placebo group and 2.7 before beginning the study.

Chan stressed that 13,000 survivors of the outbreak were struggling with long-term complications such as severe joint pains and visual impairments that can lead to blindness.

Aspirin reduces bowel cancer risk in obese patients: study

W

Ebola What you need to know about Income Annuity could be defeated by Riders year’s end: A WHO

Chan said that new cases in Liberia had again stopped and only three cases per week had been reported in Guinea and Sierra Leone over the past two weeks.

In June, an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration urged regulators to approve the drug, flibanserin, after previously voting against it twice in years past.

risk of stomach ailments such as ulcers.

He pointed to a growing body of evidence linking an increased inflammatory process to higher cancer risk.

“The lesson for all of us is that everyone should try to maintain a healthy weight and for those already obese the best thing is to lose weight,” said John Mathers, professor of human nutrition at Newcastle University.

“However, for many patients this can be very difficult so a simple aspirin may be able to help this group.”

The team of researchers is now readying a follow-up trial for which they want to recruit 3,000 participants around the world to test the effect of various doses of aspirin.

Tel: 713-774-5140

s George Forman stated, “It’s not how much money I have when I retire it is how much income I can receive.” Receiving an extra income stream these days—above and beyond Social Security and absent of pensions—may sound very attractive to you, but it’s important that you understand all the critical facts you need to know.

Right now, everyone in the annuity world is talking about the income rider.

What is it? It is an optional rider that you may elect to have attached to your contract, in which the insurance company promises to pay you a specific amount of money in the future.

Some income riders grow at a contractually guaranteed rate that either does or does not compound during the deferral period of the annuity, and others can lock in market gains that can be used for future income. Both sound very nice as long as you know what the difference is and which type of annuity you are purchasing in the first place—a variable or a fixed.

Income riders can work extremely well when preparing for a guaranteed check you can never outlive, using either your qualified or non-qualified accounts for your retirement years. Qualified accounts are pre-tax dollars that include your IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, SEPs, profit sharing, and pension accounts. Non-qualified is any money outside of these types of plans on which you’ve already paid taxes on, like your CDs or mutual funds in a brokerage account.

The problem I have seen is consumers comparing apples-toapples between variable annuities and fixed annuities using income riders—without having all the facts. There should be no ambiguity whatsoever.

Example: Most variable annuity owners I have talked to view the income rider rate as an actual yield. This is not true! You cannot walk away with 6% at the end of the contract; it is a rate that the income account is growing at to determine a payout down the road for you, not your actual cash value account.

A common mistake that I see is consumers attaching income riders to their variable annuities instead of a fixed annuity. Variable annuities average fees are 3.01% with 100% risk of your actual principal. Fixed and fixed index annuities have no risk of your principal and almost always have fewer fees on their contracts, because there are no mortality and expense charges, nor sub-account fees.

All income riders have four components: 1. The Rate: The percentage that it is guaranteed during the deferral period.

2. The Period: The amount of time the rate is guaranteed during the deferral period.

3. The Payout: The formula that grants the payout (taking into account age, rate, and income account values).

4. The Fee: The amount you pay for the income rider guaran-

Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com tee.

Let’s take a closer look at all four.

The Rate: Income riders can have rates typically from 4-7%, some are highr. Just remember this is a rate—not an annual yield— and it is only used to calculate future payouts to you based on the formula within the contract. This is never a yield with a walk-away cash value option.

The Period: The number of years the rate is guaranteed during the deferral period, i.e., 10, 15, 20, etc.

The Payout: This is the most critical part of the equation and is almost never fully understood, because most consumers tend to get lost in the minutia of all the numbers involved here, such as age, percentage rate, and payout rates. The easiest way to grasp this is the longer you wait, the higher the payout. The payout is more important than the rate and should be the primary factor with your income rider decision.

The Fees: There are riders that have NO fees. Others typically range from 0.50% to as high as 1.50%. Some fees are based on the income account value of the annuity rather than the actual account value, which is critical and can cost you more money in fees than you have to pay. The income account value will almost always be higher than the actual account value as it is growing, for example, at 6% every year.

It’s very hard for the cash value to compete with that in a fixed or fixed index or variable annuity year after year.

Combine these four components to a variable annuity and its average fee schedule of more than 3%, versus a fixed or fixed index annuity’s lower fees, you are now compounding your problems with higher fees and risk of your principal.

In conclusion, annuities are the ONLY vehicles that can guarantee you income for life, but be sure to do the math when considering income riders on annuities and make sure you know the critical difference between a security product (i.e., variable annuity) and an insurance product (i.e., fixed or fixed index annuity) as they are apples and oranges apart.

For annuity investment plan and purchase contact Sudhir Mathuria 713-771-2900.

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Business VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Section 2

Oil hits 6.5-year low as US crude supplies rise

N

EW YORK - Oil prices in New York sagged to a new six and a half year low Wednesday following data showing an increase in US petroleum stocks.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in September dropped $1.82 to $40.80 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell as low as $40.46 a barrel earlier in the session.

European benchmark Brent oil for October delivery fell $1.65 to $46.81 a barrel in London.

The drop came after a US Department of Energy report showed oil stocks rose 2.6 million barrels in the week ending August 14. The data also showed a 300,000 barrel rise at the closely-watched Cushing, Oklahoma trading hub.

Traders are girding for further weakness with the end of

summer driving season.

“As we go into the next couple of months, crude oil demand is going to decline, which worries the market,” said Andy Lipow, head of Houston consultancy Lipow Oil Associates.

Lipow and other analysts expect US oil prices to dip below $40 a barrel.

Bearish factors include the Iran nuclear deal with major powers; slowing demand in China; and continued high output in Saudi Arabia and some other OPEC countries.

“We’re probably likely for some further weakness,” said Fred Lawrence, vice president of economics and international affairs at the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

“I don’t necessarily expect it to go below $40 for a long period of time, but it certainly is poised to do that.”

US government joins Yelp for citizen feedback

W

ASHINGTON Want to give US government agencies an earful for poor service?

It turns out they really want feedback, and have crafted an agreement with popular review site Yelp to engage with citizens about quality of services.

Under the agreement unveiled this week, US government entities, such as the White House and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), joined the review website as part of an effort to improve service.

While Yelp users have long been able to post reviews of government services, the new agreement allows federal agencies and offices to establish their own Yelp pages, read and respond to reviews and incorporate feedback into service improvements.

“We encourage Yelpers to review any of the thousands of agency field offices, TSA checkpoints, national parks,

Social Security Administration offices, landmarks and other places already listed on Yelp if you have good or bad feedback to share about your experiences,” Yelp said on its blog Tuesday.

“Not only is it helpful to others who are looking for information on these services, but you can actually make an impact by sharing your feedback directly with the source.

It’s clear Washington is eager to engage with people directly through social media.”

US officials say they are eager to join the ranks of restaurants, bars, hotels and hair salons that are open to user reviews on Yelp.

“With the addition of public services and government under the Yelp umbrella, agencies can continue to find new ways to use customer insights to improve citizen services,” said Justin Herman, a social media specialist with US General Services Administration.

Call

Ramesh Cherivirala Ph.D, LUTCF Financial Adviser

Page 17 Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

W

ASHINGTON - US consumer prices rose slightly in July, extending a slow year-over-year rise since April as the Federal Reserve plans an interest rate increase this year, official data showed Wednesday.

The Labor Department said its consumer price index rose 0.1 percent in July, slowing from a 0.3 percent gain in June and the smallest monthly increase since April.

Food prices rose 0.2 percent. Energy prices were up 0.1 percent, led by a 0.9 percent rise in gasoline prices that offset declines in other components, including fuel oil.

Excluding food and energy, which tend to be volatile month on month, core CPI also rose 0.1 percent, down from 0.2 percent in June.

But on a 12-month basis, consumer prices were up 0.2 percent, building on a gain

N

EW DELHI, India - Tata Opportunities Fund (TOF) on Wednesday announced “significant investment” in the India arm of controversial appbased taxi hailing firm, Uber, with a source describing the investment pact as worth between $75-$100 million.

“TOF will make a significant investment in Uber, the first such investment made by TOF in a global company with headquarters outside India and underscores the confidence in Uber,” a press note issued by TOF said.

A statement issued by Uber also confirmed the pact without giving an exact figure for the TOF investment.

“The TOF will be investing between $75-$100 million to aid Uber’s already rapid ex-

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Indian court overturns Nestle noodle ban, orders new tests

by Aditya PHATAK MUMBAI, India - An Indian court on Thursday overturned a government ban on Nestle’s hugely popular Maggi noodles brand, but ordered further tests before the product can go back on sale.

The court backed Nestle’s challenge against the nationwide ban ordered by India’s food safety watchdog in June, calling it “arbitrary” and saying it violated the “principles of national justice”.

Tests by some Indian states had found lead levels in the product exceeded statutory limits, but the Swiss food giant has always maintained it is safe to eat, and has continued to sell it in other countries.

“We have examined the evidence in great detail,” Justice Vidyasagar Kanade told the high court in the western city of Mumbai.

“Since the petitioner Nestle has already agreed not to make and sell Maggi until the food authorities are satisfied, we see no reason to allow any relief to food authorities.”

The court ordered Nestle to send samples for testing to three laboratories and said it would only be allowed to restart making and selling Maggi noodles in India if the results were satisfactory.

Nestle said it would comply with the order, and wanted to “get Maggi noodles back on the shelves as soon as possible”.

- ‘Perception counts’ Shares in Nestle India rose around six percent after the ruling, which came a day after India said it was seeking damages of nearly $100 million from the company for “unfair trade practices”.

The government filed a complaint with the National

Food prices in the United States rose 0.2 percent in July (AFP Photo/Spencer Platt) since April. Core CPI yearon-year was roughly steady at 1.8 percent.

The Federal Reserve’s target

for price stability is 2.0 percent inflation over the longer term. The central bank’s preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expen-

ditures price index, increased 0.3 percent in June compared with a year ago, and excluding food and energy, was up 1.3 percent.

Tata to aid Uber’s India expansion with $100 mn deal

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Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission seeking 6,400 million rupees in damages.

In response, Nestle said its noodles went through stringent testing at laboratories both in India and abroad.

“Each one of these tests have shown lead to be far below the permissible limits,” it said.

The company also said it does not add monosodium glutamate (MSG) to its products, and that the substance occurs naturally in many ingredients.

The government’s food safety watchdog had said traces of MSG were detected in Maggi noodles and criticised the company for failing to include the substance in the list of ingredients.

Netle has sold its Maggi noodles for over three decades in India, and had 80 percent of the country’s instant noodle market before the ban.

pansion in India,” a source close to the deal told AFP. “Uber has grown at such an astonishing rate and continues to lead the way in the Internet economy. We look forward to working with the team on innovative new opportunities,” Padmanabh Sinha, managing partner of TOF’s advisory team in India, said in the statement.

Uber has endured a bumpy ride since it started operating in India two years ago, with a rape allegation against one of its drivers leading the New

Delhi government to ban it.

the capital.

It was ordered off Delhi’s roads amid accusations it was failing to conduct adequate background checks, but it resumed operations in January.

Uber India president, Amit Jain, in a statement last month said that the company was recording growth of 40 percent month-on-month and planned to invest “additional $1 billion” in India in the next nine months.

Despite the challenges, India now counts as Uber’s second biggest market after the United States and the company claims around 35 percent of Indian market share with 150,000 “driver entrepreneurs.”

It currently operates in 18 cities across India, including

Uber, which connects passengers to drivers through a smart-phone app, has expanded rapidly worldwide in recent years despite facing hurdles from regulators in many countries and protests from traditional taxi services.

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of August 21, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

by Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Need to conserve your energy. Travel plans may be wearing thin, right now. Try to confine your activities to one place until you’ve had a chance to restore your energy.

Partnership matters could be important for the creation of a happy home life. Any dealings related to real estate or property are starred for special success. Your home may be a haven that enables you to express the best of your ideas and intellect. Set high goals and know that you’ll hit the bull’s-eye. Group situations could be especially productive, this week.

An urge to create and express yourself. You could run into some serious obstacles.

Set aside your impulse to plunge into unknown territory. This is an intense time of letting go of old visions to make room for new ones. You may need to use some good common sense to deal with an unrealistic colleague. Assess your resources carefully.

This will provide the practical reality needed at this time. The enthusiasm of those around you is attractive, but not well grounded.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May A small change in attitude that could result in a big difference in your life. You need to make your points but you also need to listen to other’s perspectives. Your defensiveness will not gain you any ground. You must learn to recognize those soft spots & tougher your skin. Associates will listen and respond more favorably to a good presentation without the emotional baggage to weigh it down. Pull together with a group of people who are likely to inspire one another to new heights of creativity.

Use your smart ability to keep you cool. Your creative abilities should be working for you, so take on new and interesting projects. You may have to deal with some strong pressure, particularly at home. Unfinished family business could tie you up in knots. Power struggles will not resolve the situation. Take a good look at your values and your goals.

If you honestly believe in them, you’ll make the right moves at the right time. You might also put some effort into improving your surroundings. Be careful with the tools you use & turn on your creativity.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Surge of emotional & physical energy. It’s probably for the best that you’re feeling a little extra rambunctious. You’ll need it to keep up with recent events. Humor may be the best way to cope with a grim situation, that’s got everyone down. Laugh at the impossible and you’ll be able to make a list of the practical solutions. Your powers of attraction may be working harder than you imagined. There’s no need to be greedy during times of plenty. If the offers just keep pouring in, leave your options open. Go for the one that satisfies you the most.

A blend of your creativity & your practicality. A creative project could hit a snag.

You may have to work hard on the details in order to make your magic happen. In fact, it may take weeks before you’ve really got it the way you like it. Think of this as a chance to improve, rather than a waste of time and effort. Unusual people will seem to populate your world. They may push your security buttons by bringing you in contact with new ideas and values. Keep an open mind and suspend judgment for the time being.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July An intensity that you feel, that may be a distracting force. You’ll feel anxious & unable to relax. Try to turn your attention inward for awhile and save your breath for breathing. Content yourself with being part of a process that someone else has started.

Lift your head out of the details to see whether the big picture has changed since you last looked. It’s still possible to maintain harmony as long as you’re paying attention. You may have to shout in order for anyone to hear your voice.

Responsibilities & your ability to take on more than your share. Mental details may be a real challenge to you. You could easily get caught up in minor matters that become more and more complex & demanding as the week goes by. Don’t be too concerned with the minor details. Delegate to others you trust. Priority should not be on how things are done, but on completing the tasks at hand. Try your best to stay relaxed during moments of tension. Your sense of humor could go a long way in diffusing tense or uncomfortable situations.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Plenty of talking & heated discussions. You have a strong desire to cut through the bull and get to the bottom line. Relationships may be very hot. Intimacy is both exciting and complex. Professional ones are stimulating, but challenging. Greed could be your enemy now. Appetites can get out of hand if you’re not careful. When you get a taste of love, food, approval or money, chew slowly. Digestion can be difficult if you take big gulps. Check out the incredible opportunities, but move toward them with patience and caution.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September A tornado of ideas. You could be in a very talkative mood, at the very least, expect your mind to be running a mile a minute. Slow down and take note of the good ideas, because they’ll be worth remembering. Big financial ideas are very exciting to you now, too. You’re in charge. Expect to be the leader. This is your chance to shine professionally. You have the spark to move into a new direction. Planning is important, but taking chances and taking action are primary.

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Keep up with the pack. Don’t get lazy at the wrong moment. Your financial success depends on your own magnetic ability to coordinate projects and act as the producer. You may have to reach out to take advantage of lucky opportunities. Encourage your partners to go forward with exciting and challenging plans. You may need the cooperation of others to accomplish tasks, but they may be dragging their heels. If that’s the case, go into your grab bag of ideas and stimulate others with humor and fun.

Strong feelings & emotional situations that need to be addressed. It’s hard to keep up with the white lies & half truths. It’s not the facts that count, but the reason for the deceitful information. Great discretion on your part may be required if you want to keep the peace. You may feel a little resentful. The demands put on you may seem unfair, perhaps even a little manipulative. It could cost you a relationship if you are direct about the situation. Then again, why keep a friend you can’t really be honest with?

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• 2514 Times Blvd. Rice Village, Ph: 713-523-4753 • 2130 Lone Star Dr. Sugar Land, Ph: 281-494-2981

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VOICE OF ASIA 19

CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY FROM HBR.ORG Showing Compassion Can Help Employees Learn from Mistakes

Help us keep our city safe. Join HPD. Visit hpdcareer.com for more information or to apply.

It can be frustrating when an employee is not performing well or makes a mistake.

But instead of expressing your stress and anger and reprimanding the person, a better approach is to show compassion and curiosity. Suspending judgment, taking time to understand what happened, and coaching the employee for the future will build loyalty and trust, which can then turn around performance. An angry response, on the other hand, erodes loyalty and trust and inhibits creativity by jacking up the employee’s stress levels. So first, get a handle on your emotions. Take time to reflect on how you’re feeling so you can give a more thoughtful, reasonable, and discerned response. You want to see the situation with more detachment. Then put yourself in your employee’s shoes.

Try to empathize with him or her. Empathy, of course, helps you forgive. And forgiveness strengthens your relationship with your employee by promoting loyalty.

Adapted from “Why Compassion Is a Better Managerial Tactic than Toughness,”

by Emma Seppälä

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VOICE OF ASIA 20

FRIDAY, August 21, 2015

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