Voice of Asia E Newspaper October 2, 2015

VOICE OF ASIA 1

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Average Medicare Advantage premiums to decline in 2016

Connect with us today!

Visit us Online @

Read more on Page 18 Call 713-771-2900

www.voiceofasiaonline.com

713-774-5140

Over 27 years of dedicated service to the community

Vol. 28 No. 40 Friday, October 2, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

India’s PM, Narendra Modi gets earth shattering reception in Silicon Valley

S

AN JOSE, CA (September 28, 2015) -- After a two-day whirlwind tour through Silicon Valley, meeting with tech giants and Indian American entrepreneurs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit culminated with an electrifying address to a packed crowd at the SAP Center in San Jose.

The program, hosted by actress Ashwini Bhave, comedian Rajiv Satyal, and anchorman Raj Mathai, and voiced by Vishal Kapoor began with several eye-catching dance performances from various community artists.

The crowd was then mesmerized by the earthy voice and glittery blue shoes of Kailash Kher and catchy rhythm of his band, Kailasa. Mahesh Kale led his ensemble of talented youth with melodic renditions of the American and Indian national anthems.

But the highlight of the evening was the Prime Minister’s speech.

Ten representatives from Congress were invited to the stage and warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi as he arrived on stage. These in-

cluded the House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, former Chairman of the House India Caucus Congressman Jim McDermott, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Ed Royce, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Congressman Mike Honda, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Former Lt Governor of California and House Sikh American Congressional Caucus Co-Chair Congressman John Garamendi, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus and the only Indian American in Congress Congressman Ami Bera, Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee and the first Hindu in Congress Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and member of the House Homeland Security Committee Congressman Eric Swallwell.

Congressman McDermott released the following statement in honor of the Prime Minister’s visit: “I welcome Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States. His visit has generated enthusiasm and Indian Americans hold up signs welcoming India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SAP Center in San Jose September 27, 2015.

At UN, Pakistan PM proposes peace initiative with India

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif addresses the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. Headquarters, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015. (AP Photo).

by Matthew Pennington NITED NATIONS (AP) — Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday proposed a new peace initiative with historical rival India.

Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, Sharif called for the demilitarization of the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, and for both countries to respect a 2003 cease-fire on the de facto frontier where there has been an increase in cross-border firing.

Sharif also called for an unconditional withdrawal of forces from the Siachen Glacier, often dubbed the world’s highest battlefield, where the two militaries

U

Continued on Page 5

SPECIAL ISSUE

PM Narendra Modi speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25 September. Photo: AFP.

have been arrayed against each other for years for control of an uninhabited expanse of ice.

The hostility between Pakistan and India dates back seven decades, and the nuclear-armed rivals have fought three wars. The hostilities have been punctuated by periodic attempts at peace talks but they’ve failed to make a breakthrough on the core issues that divide them, such as the Kashmir dispute and Indian concerns about attacks

by Pakistan-based militants. India also wants Pakistan to bring to justice suspects in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

Strains have grown since nationalist

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office last year, despite initial hopes that he and Sharif could make headway on improving ties. Forces on both sides have frequently exchanged fire in Kashmir in recent months, causing multiple civilian and military deaths.

“The two countries should address and resolve the causes of tension and take all possible measures to avert further escalation,” Sharif said. He added that peace efforts would reduce the peril posed by the countries’ advanced weaponry.

India’s foreign minister is due to address the General Assembly on Thursday.

Adrian Leung - Graphic on Mahatma Gandhi’s 11 rules of work that include non-violence, truthfulness, self-restraint and control of diet.

Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s 146th Birth Anniversary on Oct. 2nd , 2015

Ph: 281-495-3300 Ph: 281-530-9200 A1 Bombay Grill Catering: Standard Sweets Catering: 832-606-1413 832-606-1413 IAL SPEC

!

Buffet $7.95

Lassi or Mango Shake only $1.99 with Buffet

• Appetizers • Biriyani • Chicken • Vegetarian • Lamb Dishes • Seafood • Tandoori Indian Bread • Tandoori Specialities • Desserts and more!

O Tuesday - Thursday 11 AM - 10 PM P Friday - Saturday E N 11 AM - 10:30 PM

www.standardsweetsugarland.com

Special Buffet

$5.99

Friday - Sundays

& Sugar Land

Mixed Indian Sweets

$5.99 / Lb

Full Service Catering available 50 to 1,000 people.

11102 Hwy 6 South, # 110, #112 Sugar Land, TX 77498

Open 7 Days a week 11 AM - 10:00 PM

$1500* Full Body Laser Hair Removal

Med Spa & Laser Hair Removal Center

Tel: 281-903-7470 • www.PrimeLaserCenter.com 2 Locations to Serve you: 2121 Sage Rd, Suite: 228, Houston, TX 77056 2655 Cordes Dr, Suite: 120, Sugar Land, TX 77479

• Appetizers • Vegetarian • South Indian • Chaat • Indian Breads • Desserts

(*Limited Time Full Body Laser Hair Removal Package offer Valid at both Galleria and Sugar Land Centers)

Prime Laser Center utilizes the state of the art most advanced ND; YAG Lasers which safely and effectively treat unwanted hair for permanent removal.

Call us for a Free Consultation!

proof

OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

VOICE OF ASIA 2

by Chandra K. Mittal, Ph.D

VOICE OF ASIA Publisher:

Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief:

Austin Correspondent: Print & Media Marketing: Marketing:

Production:

Office Manager:

Koshy Thomas Sherly Philip Shobana Muratee Sherine Thomas Jacob David Susan Pothanikat AR Vadlamani Priyan Mathew

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

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:

Shobana Muratee

All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher.

Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-7745143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol.com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@ voiceofasiagroup.com

Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $30 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074

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

R

ecent Golden Jubilee celebrations of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, in India and Pakistan, were nothing less than “political schizophrenia�, totally devoid of any reality.

One wondered what was being actually celebrated when substantively nothing was settled by this war, and the ill-will, acrimony and cross-border violations continue today. The goals of these celebrations were obviously symbolic forced by internal political compulsions.

For Pakistan it was appeasement of its military brass which had suffered heavy losses in the war, and for India it was to boost pro-defense image of the Modi’s government.

Since their creation in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in three major wars but remain as far apart today as they were in the beginning. All the conflict have been followed by talks and peace Accords and Agreements. These include Tashkent Agreement of 1966, Shimla Agreement of 1972, and the Lahore Declaration of 1999.

But none of these Accords have been successfully executed for lack of faith or suspicions on both sides. A few of these have been sabotaged by Pakistan military establishment itself.

Historically, Pakistan’s inability to make and attain stable peace with India primarily stems from its internal

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s takeaways from his ongoing visit to the United States are being keenly watched. His primary challenges in this phase relate to improving India’s overall relationship with the U.S. while furthering his country’s global ambitions. The decision, just hours before Mr. Modi boarded his flight, to clear defence purchases worth $3 billion from Boeing in many ways demonstrated the importance that New Delhi attaches to the state visit. Expectedly, the Prime Minister has vigorously pushed for the reform of the UN Security Council — in speeches at the UN and later at a multilateral summit. Mr. Modi’s decision to host the summit of the Group of Four nations was one of the key moments of his diplomacy in New York. While backing one another’s bid for permanent seats in the UNSC,

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Narendra Modi: An Opportune Moment to Settle India-Pakistan Dispute political instability. The country has had alternate rounds of democratically elected civilian governments and military dictatorships since 1947. This has significantly weakened the democratic institutions in Pakistan and strengthened the military’s role and influence in national affairs. With its upper hand, Pakistan’s military brass has continued to maintain a strong anti-India stance in its rhetoric and posture making it difficult for Pakistan government to make permanent peace with India.

From Indian political perspective, the 1966 and 1972 peace Agreements with Pakistan were negotiated by the Congress-led governments and involved giving back the territories won by the Indian military. This never sat well with the Indian public in general and with conservative Hindu “nationalists� in particular. Barring a few exceptions like 1971 breaking up of Pakistan and creating Bangladesh by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the public perception of Congress is that of lacking “resolve� to settle dispute with Pakistan.

This pessimistic narrative, however, began to change in the mid-nineties, if ever so slightly, with the emergence of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government headed by the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He engaged with

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leading to 1999 Lahore Declaration to settle disputes between the two countries.

This Accord enjoyed wide public support in India including from the Hindu “nationalists�.

However, this accord was never implemented due to disruptions by the 1999 Kargil war, 2001 terrorist attack on Indian Parliament and 2008 attack on Taj Hotel at Mumbai.

Despite these trial and tribulations, it is more imperative today than before for the two nuclear-armed neighbors genuinely to make peace for the sake of their safety and economic development for their future generations. Both countries need to address mass poverty at home and the Per Capita income that is lagging behind. They have to look towards the “future� rather than fix the old “wrongs�. The Accord implementation will free up their resources tied up in defense sector which can be used for economic expansion in civilian sector.

In the history of India and Pakistan if there was ever an opportune moment to settle their disputes, it is now with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm in India. He has the conservative credentials, credibility and resolve to achieve the objective. With his “nationalist� Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) being in absolute majority in the Indian Parliament he has the political capital to invest

in making a deal with Pakistan that most Indians will accept without much grumbling.

Something Modi’s predecessors could not do because of their coalition governments.

At personal level, Modi is a proven charmer who has garnered unprecedented goodwill with world leaders, many of whom have pledged investment in India. US President Barak Obama once called him the “Man of Action�. Mr. Modi did not invited Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony just for symbolic reasons. But he has genuine desire to cultivate positive relations with Pakistan for mutual benefit.

There are skeptics who feel Modi, as Hindu conservative cannot make peace with Pakistan. But history does not support this notion. Conservatives are indeed known to make good deals with adversaries. The best example is US President Ronald Reagan who called Soviet Union an “evil empire� but still negotiated a stable peace with them. Narendra Modi is ultimately a conservative “pragmatist� who knows the value of timing, persuasion and patience. And he will use these to the optimum to achieve a lasting peace with Pakistan.

Dr. Chandra Mittal is Professor at Houston Community College and Co-Founder of Indo-American Association, Houston. He can be contact at drckmittal@yahoo.com.

The message from New York India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have collectively called for urgent reforms of the Security Council within a timeframe. At another gathering, Mr. Modi invited U.S. companies to step up investments in India. The top-level participation of American companies at the meeting, pointed to the importance U.S. industry is giving India. Executives from 42 Fortune 500 companies, with a combined net worth of $4.5 trillion, were there.

While the overall message from New York is positive, the government has to work hard to bring to fruition the goodwill established: the task begins now. India’s most important challenge here is to continue the campaign to re-

form the Security Council.

Nothing much has come out of India’s push over the years to restructure the global body.

The challenge is to build a democratically evolved consensus among world powers, particularly among the Security Council members, on the need to reform the UNSC. Second, though American companies are keen to invest in India, they remain wary of “complicated regulations, confusing bureaucracy and poor infrastructure�. If the government is serious about enhancing business and trade relations with the U.S. further, it should accelerate the pace of reforms at home and build quality infrastructure — of course making sure that its own long-term interests are not sacrificed or

The Most Comprehensive Health Magazine Empowering A Voice of Asia families Publication GET YOUR COPY TODAY

People live longer and better lives with proper healthcare New Technologies are making it more easier

He�l��L��� Delivers!

To send articles, email us at voiceasia@aol.com To place ads: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com For other information, call us at: 713-774-5140

Watch for our next Issue!

6250 Westpark Dr, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77057

$BMM UPMM GSFF i 5"+ :06u XXX USBWFMDPPM DPN

compromised. Third, bilateral relations between India and the U.S. have always been a tricky area for decision-makers. While defence cooperation has improved over the years, the failure to operationalise the nuclear deal, Washington’s continuing support for Pakistan and reluctance to second major reforms at the UNSC are issues. Besides, the principle of a multilateral approach in India’s foreign policy has not gone down well with the Washington elites. Mr. Modi ought to take up some of these issues when he meets Barack Obama on Monday. They should address them, so that what has often been termed a “natural alliance� could be firmed up to mutual advantage. Courtesy: The Hindu

C OMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 3

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Second Front Page

Friday, October 2, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

Sri Meenakshi Temple marks the beginning of festival season

Lord Ganesha resplendent in the Alakaranm following the Abhishekam at MTS.

P

EARLAND - As the summer ends and the fall season begins in September the season of Hindu festivals commences each year in full swing. Ganesh Chathurthi traditionally marks as one of the events that heralds the very early start of the thanksgiving in the year for the Indian community here in the United States, as early as August sometimes; and the focus is giving thanks to the gods, starting with Lord Ganesha followed by Navarathri, Deepavali through to Sankaranthi.

Sri Meenakshi Temple celebrated Lord Ganesha’s birthday on September 17th, 2015 with a grand Ganesh Chathurthi. Lord Ganesha is celebrated with great devotion for the blessings He unconditionally bestows us.

Homam and Kalasa Puja invoking the Lord Ganesha were conducted in the magnificent Ganesh temple where hundreds of devotees had gathered to witness the offering and to have a glimpse of the remover of obstacles, Sri Ganesha’s blessings. Following the Puja, the deity was taken in a procession around the Temple followed

by Prasadam. A popular fixture in the Ganesh Chathurthi is the 2nd day of celebration conducted on September 20th 2015 that involved in addition to the Pujas, Rathotsavam and

Visarjan (immersion of the clay Ganesha by devotees in the lake). As hundreds of devotees gathered to witness this popular day MTS was transported to Western and South India.

TOP: ‘Ganesh Chathurthi,’ Lord Ganesh’s birthday, was celebrated on September 17th, 2015 at the temple. Lord Ganesh’s procession was part of ‘Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations.

The auspicious month of Purattasi (6th month in Tamil calendar) is considered very important for Lord Venkateswara.

On September 26th 2015 Sri Meenakshi temple celebrated the Maha Kalyanam (celestial wedding) of Sri Venkateswara in the main temple.

INSET LEFT: Sri Venkateswara Kalyanam

As the lord of the seven hills was awaken with the chanting of the Suprabhadam on this Holy Saturday, the seervarisai and the Vishvakshena Puja (for Lord Ganesha) heralded the auspicious start of the ceremony.

Despite the peak activities in the MTS construction the Temple Priests and staff had worked hard to prepare the precincts for this day and the hunders of gathered devotees were to witness the celestial wedding in combination with the special Purattasi Saturday Abhishekam simultaneously performed for the Moolavar and Utsavar.

Devotees were enthralled with the blessings received in witnessing the holy ceremony with the Navakalasa abhishekam, alankaram, fol-

Sri Venkateswara Kalyanam_with devotees intently witnessing the ceremony at MTS lowed by Maha Kalyanam with the Homam. Rathotsavam followed by Keertanam (songs in

praise of the Lord) reverberated through the afternoon followed by Prasadam. The day

ABLE MORTGAGE IN TEXAS

REFINANCE, PURCHASE & CASH OUT

kvdoraiswamybhattar@yahoo.com | kvdoraiswamy60@gmail.com

Over $400 Million Mortgage Financed. A low cost Broker - since 2001 TX, NJ, CA, CO, & FL Pre-approve your mortgage in minutes over phone or email. call for State Licenses updates California finance Lenders Law Lic. #603J747

Web: www.ablemortgage.co Office: 281-242-8500 Cell: 281-733-4242 Email: james@ablehomeloans.com

Need Mortgage Loan Officers in all licensed states.

• No experience needed. • Attractive compensation.

NATIONAL REALTY • 281-242-4005 TX Real Estate Lic # 397210

proof ATTENTION Fashion Designers & Dancers

Show has been postponed.

Wait for announcement of New Date!

Call Jasmeeta Singh 713-858-8229

teers of Sri Meenakshi temple for the start of the fall season’s twin festivals.

K. V. Doraiswamy Bhattar 281-489-0464 or 281-948-8368

13401 S.W.Freeway, # 201, Sugar Land, TX 77478

We will pay your closing costs. Up to 3% of you New Home NMLS Mortgage Company ID: 264912 MLO James Joseph Oolut - NMLS ID: 307384 Price with combined Real Estate and Mortgage Services

turned out to be fulfilling for the Spirit and mind. We thank all the Priests, staff and volun-

More than 30 years of experience as Priest in major temples including Sri Meenakshi Temple Pearland, TX. Can speak 5 languages (Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English) Rituals Performed: Sreemantham, Punyahavachanam, Namakaranam, Annaprashanam, Vidyarambham, Choulam, Upanayanam, Wedding, Sathya narayana puja, and all kind of Homas (Havans) and more. I can drive to your place.

INDIAN SNACKS & SWEETS FREE SHIPPING ALL OVER USA WWW.MASALAMUNCHIES.NET MITHAI FURSAN NAMKEEN SANDWICHES CHAATS WRAPS RICE BOWLS

WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS BABY SHOWERS FESTIVALS CATERING BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARY

HOUSTON, we are celebrating Navatri from 13th October 21st October. Visit us for special and tasty sweet delights!

6692-A SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, HOUSTON TX 77074

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 4

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER

The People’s Lawyer

Answers to your Immigration Questions

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

www.peopleslawyer.net

Answers To Your Questions About Adjustment Of Status To Permanent Resident

Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Final paycheck must be promptly paid Q. Three weeks ago I was fired from my job. My employer still has not given me my last paycheck. He says I will get it in about a month. Help.

A. The Texas Payday Law regulates the timing of when your final must be paid. If an employee is laid off, discharged, fired, or otherwise involuntarily separated from employment, the final pay is due within six calendar days of discharge. If the employee quits, retires, resigns, or otherwise leaves employment voluntarily, the final pay is due on the next regularly scheduled payday following the effective date of resignation. I suggest you let your employer know you know your rights, and expect to be promptly paid.

For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Texas workforce Commission, http:// www.twc.state.tx.us.

Q. There is a local landscaper who maintains the yards on both sides of my house. He often blows the grass clippings onto my property and doesn’t clean the clippings up. I have nice river rock exiscape and it is very hard to get the grass out of the rocks. I have spoken with the landscaper and the property owners about not blowing the clippings onto my property. What would be my next step in order to keep this from happening again?

A. As you seem to know, the landscaper has no right to do this. In fact he is trespassing. I suggest you speak once again with both parties and let them know that you expect the landscaper will stop trespassing. If being neighborly does not work, you might want to let the landscaper know that if he does it again, you will hire someone to clean up your yard, and then file a claim in justice court to recover what it cost. Hopefully, once the landscaper realizes this could cost him time and money he will find somewhere else for the clippings.

Q. Can I be arrested for not paying my credit card bill? A debt collector told me he was going to file a complaint with the sheriff and have a warrant issued for my arrest.

A. There is no debtor’s prison in the United States. If you don’t pay money you owe you may be sued, but you cannot be put in jail. In fact, the threat to throw you in jail for not paying your bills violates both federal and state debt collection law. Violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the federal law, allows the court to award punitive damages up to $1,000. For more information about what may happen if you don’t pay your bills, look at the debt collection section on my website, www.peopleslawyer.net.

On Saturday, October 3rd, the Center for Consumer Law at the University of Houston Law Center will hold the latest session of The People’s Law School. The People’s Law School is designed to give you some useful information about your legal rights. Best of all, it is absolutely free! The program runs from 9 a.m. until noon on the main campus of the University of Houston. There will be classes in business law, employment law, health insurance, consumer law, credit and debt collection, wills and estates, family law, insurance law, landlord tenant law, small claims court, social security and how to deal with an attorney.

As the more than 50,000 people who have attended the People’s Law School have discovered, when it comes to the law knowledge really is power. The People’s Law School won’t make you an attorney, but it will help you settle disputes and avoid problems.

Although there is no charge for The People’s Law School, you must pre-register to attend.

Registration is limited to the first 1000 people. To register go to, www.peopleslawyer.net I look forward to seeing you on October 3rd. Arrive early and join me for some free coffee and doughnuts.

Q: What is Adjustment of Status? Does it mean that I am changing my current nonimmigrant B-2 Visitor status to another non-immigrant status, for example E-2 Treaty Investor status?

A: No. Adjustment of Status is a term of art. It is the process where an application is filed by an individual who is physically present in the United States to change his or her non-immigrant status to that of an immigrant or permanent resident. If one changes from a non-immigrant status to another non-immigrant status, that is called a change of status, not adjustment of status.

Q: How do I know if I am eligible to file for adjustment of status?

A: You must meet the eligibility criteria in order to adjust status to that of a permanent resident of the United States. To be eligible, you must reside in the United States; have an approved immigrant petition (I-130, I-140 or I-360 for example); the priority date for your preference category and country of chargeability must be current as published by the Visa Bulletin, and you must have been lawfully admitted to the United States. In addition to that, you must not be statutorily barred from adjustment of status which may include unlawful entry to the United States, failure to maintain status or have engaged in unauthorized employment. Because the rules for adjustment of status are rather complex, it is advisable to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney before your file your case.

Q: I am currently on J-1 non-immigrant status and I wish to apply under EB-1 as outstanding researcher. Can I adjust my status when my EB-1 Immigrant Petition has

been approved?

A: If you have J-1 nonimmigrant status, you may not adjust status if you are subject to the two year foreign residence requirement. In such instance, to adjust your status you must have satisfied the two year foreign residence requirement, or have obtained a waiver of this requirement.

Q; I am married to a US Citizen and I like to adjust my status in the United States. I entered this country on the Visa Waiver Program about 6 months ago and we have not filed the I-130 petition and my I-485 adjustment of status application within 90 days of my arrival here. Can I still file to adjust status?

A: According to the November 14, 2013 USCIS Memorandum, Visa Waiver entrants who marry a US Citizen are permitted to file for adjustment of status outside the 90 day period.

However, you will need to be aware that filing outside the 90 day period comes with a catch – if your adjustment of status is denied, you do not have the opportunity to appeal the decision nor will your case be referred to Immigration Court for the Judge to decide. You will have to leave the United States.

Q: I am married to a US Citizen but I entered illegally into the United States. I would like to adjust my status in the United States. Is this possible?

A: Unless you are 245(i) eligible, you may not adjust status in the United States. Once your wife’s I-130 petition has been approved, you will have to file and be granted the provisional waiver for unlawful presence and depart the United States in order to receive your immigrant visa at the consulate in your home country.

Q: My wife came here illegally as a child. She was granted DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and she had travelled on advance parole and returned back to the United

States with inspection. I am a US Citizen. Can she now file for adjustment of status?

A: Yes, it appears that for those individuals who were admitted to the US under advance parole may file for adjustment of status if they meet all the other eligibility criteria. Please seek the advice of a qualified immigration attorney to properly evaluate her case for adjustment of status.

Q: I have overstayed my B-2 Visitor Visa for more than 8 months. I like to know if I may apply to adjust my status through my employer?

A: For adjustment of status through employment, you have to maintain your status until the time you adjust your status. As such, you may not adjust your status unless you are eligible under 245(i).

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.

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. She has very successfully assisted many of her clients in their citizenship applications and interviews. If you require immigration advice or assistance, 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.

Sharlene Sharmila Richards Attorney at Law

www.richardsimmigration.com E-mail: srichardslaw@aol.com

• Relative Petitions: $300* • Citizenship: $500* • Green Card: $1000*

CALL US today at: 713-623-8088

*Subject to restrictions.

Other types of cases such as Removal of Condition, L, E, H-1B, O, P visas, PERM Labor, Appeals, Waivers etc, all are reasonably priced.

Our business is rated A+ by the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.

OUR OFFICE:

4151 Southwest Freeway, Ste: 600, Houston, Texas 77027

IMMIGRATION Call Now for Your FREE Consultation

Biryani Express Pearland

Ph: 713-436-2727 Cell: 713-325-3400

Chef Special Biryanis & Combo Biryanis

Texas

Open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 8.30 am to 11.00 am

To Advertise or to Subscribe Chaat corner 10223 w Broadway St, Pearland TX 77584 Website: www.akshayacaterersus.com Email: akshayacaterersus@gmail.com

VOICE OF ASIA

Subscription Ren

Fax this form to: 713-774-5143 Scan and E-mail us: ads@voiceofasiagroup.

Name: _________________________________

The Most Comprehensive Health Magazine Empowering families Address: ________________________________

Call 713-774-5140

People live longer and better lives with proper healthcare

Technologies are making it more easier City:New ______________ State:___________ Zip:__

He�l��L��� Delivers!

VOICE OF ASIA 5

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

India’s PM, Narendra Modi gets earth shattering reception..........

Continued from Page 1 euphoria among the Indian Diaspora and brought the awareness about India to the Americans. This will bode well in further improving the bilateral relations between the two countries.

His initiatives on spreading awareness about Yoga will enhance assimilation of India’s rich cultural heritage to the people of the world. This visit and his meetings, in particular with the technology leaders, will give a huge boost to “Digital India’ initiative benefiting the common people in India. His vision to fulfill the dreams and aspiration of millions of Indians will take the US-India bilateral business and trade relationship to the next level. I see it as a win-win for both the nations. I have visited India over 25 times and I think the time has come for India to assume the rightful place to play a very important role in the global affairs. I would like him to visit Seattle in his next visit to the United States.”

There were also several dignitaries from the Indian Embassy, and countless local and state elected officials in attendance, including Mayor of San Jose, Sam Liccardo.

The crowd greeted PM Modi with chants of, “Modi! Modi!! Modi!” In his speech, Modi initially focused on the bond between California and India, noting accomplishments of Indians in California dating as far back as the late 1800s when Sikh immigrants settled in the Central Valley, and 1914 when the first Indian graduated from Stanford University.

He then went on to talk about India’s “brain drain” referring to the many highly educated and motivated Indians who have left their motherland for opportunities elsewhere. But he emphati-

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, former Chairman of the House India Caucus Congressman Jim McDermott, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Ed Royce, Congressman Mike Honda, Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman Ami Bera, were among the host of dignitaries that greeted Narendra Modi.

Open Forum in Houston will have special on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s California visit visit and the Indian American community reception at SAP Centre. Tune in from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm. On the panel Ramesh Shah, Vijay Pallod & Gitesh Desai. Call 713-784-1480 to join special program. cally noted that this brain drain is actually a “brain gain” and that it is now India’s turn to dip into the “brain deposit” and collect interest. He emphasized the new technological age and the

Members of the Indo-American organizations came out in a show of support.

role Silicon Valley’s Indian-Americans have played in advancing it, urging the successful Indian diaspora to lend a hand to lift their motherland.

Modi further expressed his belief in India’s potential to become a leading country, stating, “The world now looks to India with hope and confidence...It is believed that the 21st century is In-

One the many spectacular dances that were a highlight of the event.

dia’s century...I have faith in the nation because India is young; what country wouldn’t advance with sixty-five percent of the population being under the age of thirty-five.”

He mentioned initiatives taken by his government such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, in which the poorest of citizens could open a bank account with a zero balance. He was shocked at the wealth of the poor, noting that 32000 crore rupees ($4.9 billion US dollars) have been deposited in Jan Dhan accounts to date.

Modi also highlighted India’s successful mission to Mars on its first attempt, his current administration’s clean record, and called on the world to address terrorism and global warming.

The Prime Minister’s full speech can be viewed at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=17HIk6bG804.

The Community Reception was attended by a crowd of 18,000 that represented diverse generations, linguistic groups, and religions. Raj Munaim, Director of Public Relations for Anjuman-E-Najmi, San Francisco, noted, “It was very exciting to receive the Honorable Prime Minister Modi to Silicon Valley. He energized the Indian diaspora on its success but also on the future of India. His ongoing leadership on education, technology, and entrepreneurship hold tremendous potential to help India move forward in the global economy. We look forward to partnering and helping in India achieve the aspirations for success in the 21st century.”

The event was a grand success thanks to the countless hours put in by hundreds of dedicated volunteers coordinating everything from logistics, decorations, and entertainment to media, government outreach, and registration.

The reception was coordinated by the Indo American Community of West Coast.

For more information on the September 27th event, please visit www.pmmodiinca.org or follow us on twitter @pmmodiincalifornia.

Report by Indo American Community of West Coast, USA (IACWC).

Photos by Dhrumil Desai.

VOICE OF ASIA 6

The Gandhi Legacy

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

ICC’s role in perpetuating Gandhi legacy in Houston

The Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiling ceremony at Hermann Park.

A

ugust 16, 2015 was a historical event for the Indo-American community in Houston when an 8ft. by 6 ft. Marble monument was unveiled at the intersection of Highway 59 and Hillcroft Road in the Mahatma Gandhi District of what has come to be known as Little India.

The monument was inaugurated by Harish Pavathaneni, Consul General of India in Houston. A large number of Community leaders and elected officials attended the monument dedication event. Mahatma Gandhi District itself was formally named on January 10, 2016.

The Gandhi Monument Project was only the latest in a series of Projects completed by India Culture Center (ICC), in promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in Houston. Actually, ICC has been in the forefront on the efforts to establish concrete, physical mementos in honor of Mahatma Gandhi in Houston, since 2002.

Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Hermann Park On November 20, 2002, Houston’s Director of Parks and Recreation Department offered the site of the international Sculpture Garden in Hermann Park for the installation of the sculpture. After careful examination of the site offered

and many other potential sites, ICC submitted the final proposal to the Houston Municipal Arts Commission (MAC) on May 1, 2003. After detailed presentations, MAC approved the proposal on June 26 and the Mayor accepted the statue donation on July 11. The Groundbreaking by Mayor Brown was held on October 2, 2003, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The inauguration of the statue was to occur in December 2003, but due the logistics, fundraising, and building issues, the statue installation could not be completed and the final inauguration of the bronze statue was held on Oct 2, 2004. Houston Mayor Bill White, India’s Ambassador to US, Ronen Sen, former Mayor Lee P. Brown, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Consul General Skand Ranjan Tayal were among the guests at the unveiling ceremony. Hundreds attended the ceremony including prominent community leaders including ICC’s former and active presidents and directors and ICC supporters.

Mahatma Gandhi District Project About the same time as the Gandhi statue idea was conceived, ICC, with help from several community activists, started exploring the idea of having a portion of the Hillcroft

Houston Mayor Bill White, India’s Ambassador to US, Ronen Sen, Former Mayor Lee P. Brown, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Consul General Tayal were among the dignitaries at the unveiling ceremony at Hermann Park.

The Mahhatma Gandhi Monument on Hillcroft, Houston.

Road re-named as Mahatma Gandhi Road. However, this Project required consent of at least 75% of the property owners in the area. This requirement could not be easily fulfilled. Therefore, instead ICC started working on the Project to have the area designated as the Mahatma Gandhi District. With the hard work and dedicated efforts by the ICC Board and many community volunteers Indian American ladies wave India’s flags in a show of support during the and business com- unveiling at Hillcroft, Houston. munity, the Project was approved As described in opening of Peace and Non-violence in by the City of Houston and paragraph of this article, the Houston for generations to Sharpstown Management unveiling of the Marble Mon- come. Perhaps, some other District, The Mahatma Gan- ument at the Head of the Ma- similar projects will be undhi District was inaugurated hatma Gandhi District was dertaken in the future, by

by Mayor Annise Parker on only the latest ICC Project in India Culture Center, the oldJanuary 16, 2010. promoting, preserving, and est community organizations Mahatma Gandhi District perpetuating the memory of for all indo-Americans in the Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle Houston Metropolitan Area.

Monument Unveiling

“ In a gentle way,

you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Congratulations on the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi monument in the Mahatma Gandhi District.

Houston’s Indian community is part of the rich tapestry that makes up our city.

And because of the work of local community organizers, all Houstonians have a new opportunity to focus on the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi and continue to be inspired by his teachings.

Thank you for making Houston a better place for all of us!

Message Dear Readers of Voice of Asia, The installation of a monument for Mahatma Gandhi at such a high visibility intersection in Houston will provide our citizens with a visible reminder of his contribution as an Apostle of Peace. Pearland is one of the most diverse communities in the country with a large and contributing Indian population.

We are proud of our Indian community and I join with them in commending this special recognition of a great man of peace.

With deep appreciation,

Tom Reid, Mayor, City of Pearland, Texas.

ring

Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign. David Mincberg, Treasurer

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

Special Issue

VOICE OF ASIA 7

What is Gandhi’s Legacy?

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

A Tribute to Gandhi You will succeed, you will succeed One day you will surely succeed Not at one nation Not at one continent But all over the world You will succeed.

A day will dawn And the world, tired of violence Will appreciate you, follow your steps And accept the path of non-violence.

You will succeed, you will succeed One day you will surely succeed.

-Dhirajlal Shah Houston, TX (age 93 - one of our devoted readers).

Mahatma Gandhi before the traditional Indian Charka or Spinning wheel. Credit: Life Magazine.

by Aparna Basu, PhD

G

andhi did not leave behind any legacy of wealth or property since he did not possess any.

His legacy is the ideals and principles that he preached and practiced. His contributions in various fields are recognized the world over more today perhaps than during his lifetime, when he was often thought of solely as the architect of India’s freedom struggle.

The American civil rights struggle against racial discrimination and segregation in the 1950s and 1960s was influenced by Gandhi’s technique of satyagraha. Martin Luther King Jr. had heard of Gandhi ‘s role in the Indian freedom struggle but not much more.

He later acknowledged that his inspiration was Jesus Christ but he learnt the method of his struggle from Gandhi.

In South Africa, non violent protest and mass resistance were highly important in thwarting apartheid policies and white domination especially between 1950 and 1960. Nelson Mandela has acknowledged how Gandhi’s “philosophy contributed in no small measure to bringing about a peaceful

transformation in South Africa and in healing the destructive human division that had been spawned by the abhorrent practice of apartheid.” .

There are centres of Gandhian studies in India and across the world. Books and articles on Gandhi continue to be published.

In 1968 and 1969, following the Warsaw Pact invasion, Czechs and Slovaks held off full Soviet control for eight months with improvised non violent struggle and refusal of collaboration.

The National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat in New Delhi , together with other half a dozen Gandhi Museums and other Gandhan institutions attempts to spread the message of Gandhi specially among the youth.

The NGM organizes various programmes includinng youth camps and has an excellent library of books by Gandhi and on Gandhi as well as copies of journals edited by him. It has a large collection of photographs and photo exhibitions are held twice every year .

The solidarity movement in Poland began in 1980 and concluded in 1989 with the collapse of the Communist regime.

Lech Walsea, leader of the Solidarity movement, writes, “I too consider myself a follower and student of Mahatma Gandhi.

‘Following the example of Mahatma Gandhi we found that by adopting peaceful, non violent measures we could re-organize the society and empowered by the resulting solidarity and togetherness we could effectively lead the struggle.”

In India, Gandhi’s ideas have influenced movements against deforestation, big dams, and the struggle for a safe environment.

The Self Employed Women’s Organization (SEWA) of women in the unorganized sector is another example of a movement shaped by Gandhian ideology.

Gandhi’s ideas of pluralism, liberalism, the resolution of conflict by peaceful means, of preserving the environment are better understood and their relevance appreciated more today than during his lifetime. Sixty seven years after his assassination his legacy is not dead.

Dr Aparna Basu, PhD is currently Chairperson, National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi.

She was formerly, Professor of History, University of Delhi.

Capricorn Travel

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

713-339-2222

Proudly Serving the South Asian Communities in Texas for 30 plus years!

We are proud to be located in the

Mahatma Gandhi District

“Let us Celebrate the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi monument in Hillcroft, also known as Little India, where we display our rich culture and our strength as a nation.”

3939 Hillcroft Ave, Suite # 110, Houston, TX 77057

Reliability, Low Fares and Travel Experience Domestic, International, Cruise & Vacation Packages

Corporate & Family Travel Packages!

- Col. Raj & Kanwal Bhalla.

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

HIMALAYA

Restaurant

The height of taste (713) 532-2837

HIMALAYA

Visit us online: himalayarestauranthouston.com • BBQ • Lamb Dishes • Chicken Dishes • Seafood • Biriyanis • Indian Bread • Desserts

Closed Monday Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 AM - 10 PM Friday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 11 PM Catering orders welcome for Family / Business events

- Mahatma Gandhi

“I would like to wish the South Asian IndoAmerican Community on achieveing a truly remarkable feat of getting Gandhiji’s monument installed in the Hillcroft area, also known as Mahatma Gandhi District.”

- Himesh Gandhi

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

- Mahatma Gandhi.

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074

Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Himesh Gandhi ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

Sugar Land City Councilman

Special Issue

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

A Personal Memoir: Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to my hometown, Rajahmundry

by Krishna Vavilala

ter dark.

B

A diminutive bespectacled man clad in a knee-high dhoti and white shawl appeared at the door of his compartment and the train moved back and forth to enable all people to have good darshan of the Mahatma. Subsequently, Gandhi ji stepped out of his compartment onto a specially built raised platform which was illuminated by electric flood lights for all to see him clearly.

eing one of the few first generation IndoAmerican immigrants born in British India, I have had an opportunity of experiencing Mahtama Gandhi ji’s aura when I was 9 years old in my home town, Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.

I distinctly remember the evening of January 20,1946 when Mahatma Gandhi’s special train carrying him and his entourage stopped briefly at Rajahmundry. I was accompanied by my grandmother, my older sister and a younger brother. All of us traveled in a bullock cart up to the railway station and then walked an extra mile on a dirt road to reach a railway marshaling yard designated for Gandhi ji’s special train.

Gandhi ji greeted the crowd with a Namaste as they chanted repeatedly “Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai”.

Gandhi ji did not however speak on that day, as it was a Monday- his silence [“mauna vrat”] day. A local Congress leader, read Gandhi ji’s message written in Hindi which called upon people to have preparedness with discipline to become free people of Independent India.

More than 100,000 people waited patiently to greet Gandhi ji as his train arrived 3.5 hours late at about 7.30PM af-

This childhood impression of witnessing Mahatma Gandhi in live person and his principles of non-violence an Peace became inspiration for my role in the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Herman Park, Houston. Incidentally,it happened to be the first brick and mortar project of ICC. Further gratifying is the fact that the certain area in Hillcroft popularly called Little India has been named as the Mahatma Gandhi district - another successful venture of ICC. As Congressman AL Green aptly declared on the day of unveiling the Monument, “without Mahatma Gandhi there is no Martin Luther King Jr.” It was a profound statement for all Indians to be proud of.

On February 10,1959 MLK Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King arrived in India on a month long tour and King wrote:

Sari Sansar

Mahatma Gandhi on one of his walks to Greenfield Mills. Credit: ibnlive.com “To other countries, I may go as a tourist but to India I come as a pilgrim.”

Fifty years later, in 2009, the

U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) recognizing Gandhi’s influence on King Jr..

Krishna Vavilala is the Chairman of Foundation for India Studies and the initiator of the Mahatma Gandhi statue Project in Herman Park.

E.K Perfume Center ring

Hono

5711 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77036 (713) 266-1551

ji

dhi

Gan

Gandhi Jayanthi SALE! 15% off

A delectable selection of Saris

• 713-952-4400 • 713-975-8799

All Name Brand Perfumes

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

5810-B, Hillcroft, Houston, TX 77036

“ Strength does not come from physical capacity.

It comes from an indomitable will.”

- Mahatma Gandhi.

Ph: 713-445-6550 Email: nikhil@sugarlandtrading.com

Our Contact information for IACAN:

www.iacannetwork.org

phone : 713 370 3489 | iacannetwork@gmail.com

www.spanishdelightusa.com Sugar Land Trading Co. LLC Sugar Land, TX 77479

TAX PROBLEMS?

We are IRS TAX PROBLEM SOLVERS Call our office or visit our website today.

FREE Confidential Consultation

www.IRS-Tax.pro IRS Enrolled Agent U.S. Federal Practitioner

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

ring

Hono

PARIVAR GROCERS ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

713-226-7771

We are proud to be located in the

Mahatma Gandhi District Harry Patel EA CFE CCFA CBA ATP TAX-CTRS

“We believe in the Gandhian principles of truth, honesty and integrity.”

HarryTax@Aol.com • 713-541-4777 7322 Southwest Freeway, Suite: 400 Houston TX 77074

ji

dhi

Gan

“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

VISIT US for: Fresh Grocery, Spices, Household Utensils and More...

6655 Harwin Dr, Suite # 103-A, Houston, TX 77036

Special Issue

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Chowpatty

Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston

Chat Company

Spearheading the cause of Hindustani Classical Music & the Musicians

www.chowpattychathillcroft.com Bollywood Themed Restaurant Master Chef Nirman Shah Delectable Vegetarian Dishes!

A Non-Profit & Tax-Exempt 501 (C) (3) Organization &

Saadhana Pariwar The celebrated Hindustani Classical Music Gurukul Founded by

Pandit Suman Ghosh ring

Salute & Pay Respectful Tribute to

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

MAHATMA GANDHI-JI

Restaurant Timings: Monday to Sunday 11.00am to 9.00 pm Closed on Tuesdays

On His Auspicious 146th Birth Anniversary on

832-203-7965

October 2nd, 2015

5711 Hillcroft Ave., Suite: A3, Houston, TX 77036

The Messiah of World Peace and Non-Violence

India Culture Center, Houston ring

Hono

“We wish the Mahatma Gandhi District business owners the very best in the future.”

- ICC Board of Directors & Trustees

www.icchouston.org

“ You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty” - Mahatma Gandhi

India Culture Center

8888 West Bellfort, Ste 210D, Houston, TX 77031 PH: 713-929-1900 | 713-929-1900 ext. 208

ring

ji

dhi

Hono

Gan

MASALA MUNCHIES

ring

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish every South Asian living in Houston and convey my joy at what we have achieved in the business district of Hillcroft of erecting a Mahatma Gandhi monument to remember his values of non-violence to achieve peace.”

I’d like to thank all the businesses and supporters who have stood behind this project to help make it successful. By doing this, we have shown our strength as a people and nations who value the true principles of what Gandhiji stood for. Jai Hind!”

Certified Public Accountants

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

Hono

Ken Mathew City Council Member Stafford, Texas

M.D. & Associates, LLP

INDIAN SNACKS & SWEETS 713-266-2646 WWW.MASALAMUNCHIES.NET

FREE SHIPPING ALL OVER USA

ji

dhi

Gan

ji

dhi

Gan

6692-A SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, HOUSTON TX 77074

Phone: 713-774-6533 Fax: 713-777-3583

“I would like to wish the South Asian Indo-American Communities here in Houston for achieving the feat of installing the Gandhi monument in the famous Mahatma Gandhi District.

I would like to congratulate India Culture Center, the District business owners, the Indian American organizations and supporters who have made this historic day and event possible by their tireless efforts.”

- Swapan Dhairyawan

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

“ Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will” - Mahatma Gandhi

Houston Office 8303 Southwest Freeway, Suite 570, Houston TX 77074 Spring Office 17819 Stuebner Airline Rd, Suite D, Spring, TX 77379

Gandhiji -

an exemplary model to follow!

“Gandhiji was an untiring soul who walked the walk of peace and tolerance. We have so much to learn from him, that if the collective human race were to follow his ideologies, we would have a peaceful existence in this world.

“I would like to wish the South Asian Indo- American Community for making great headway in achieving what they have by the installation of the Gandhi monument in the Business District of Hillcroft, known as Mahatma Gandhi District.

His lessons and practice of non-violence defeated the British even before they left India. India took courage in the foot steps of Mahatma Gandhi. Let us learn from the examples that Gandhiji laid out for us. I personally wish we can learn from the values and principles that he stood for. His teachings are timeless.”

- Surendran Koran Attorney at Law

Hearty congratulations to all the businessmen and women, the organizations and supporters who have made this possible.”

- Officer Muzaffar Siddiqi ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

Special Issue

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

The day humans stopped believing Mahatma Gandhi An Apostle of Non-Violence that peace works

By Chandra K. Mittal, Ph.D.

Kedar Pandya, Elkins High

T

he day the world ended was not a day that started with war or famine or disease, it was the day that humans stopped believing that peace works.

In their most simple forms, peace and violence are just different types of relationships. Peace and violence is the most fundamental cycle in the universe. They can even be defined in ecological terms, examples are found in the most rudimentary of life systems. One cannot understand the violence in the world without defining peace and the man who most exemplified this peace in all of humanity’s recorded history was Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma in Hindi means great leader, this foremost defines Mahatma Gandhi.

With his Quit India and Inquilab Zindabad (Long Live the Revolution) movements he freed Bharat from foreign exploitation and oppression.

He inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the struggle for civil rights for Blacks. He freed a country that would eventually become the world’s largest democracy. His words impact students and elders alike today through the work of great organizations such as the Mahatma Gandhi Library. He and his ideology of nonviolence and truth will remain forever immortal in the chronicles of history.

Kedar Pandya is 14 years old and attends the Engineering Academy at Elkins High School as a 9th grader in Fort Bend ISD. He is avid reader and loves to mess with computers. He has participated in the Mahatma Gandhi Library essay contest and won 3rd place last year.

At no time in human history, a person has been more relevant than Mahatma Gandhi is today when the entire world is engulfed and embroiled in wars, religious strife, military conflicts, social injustice, women exploitation, institutionalized corruption, political instability, etc. Gandhi, who endured gross injustice, inhuman treatment, discrimination, racial insults, and various other forms of British wrath, but never surrendered.

In face of tyranny Gandhi resolved to fight the human evil with his own innovations involving “Non-Violence”. He experimented with this and won every conflict of his times. Mr. Gandhi had an uncanny ability and wisdom to mold the devilish human psyche into a positive force to bring a change in the situation. He always appealed to the conscience of the “aggressor” in order to compel an introspection, which ultimately resulted in a positive change.

This approach was so effective that it worked whether it was to deal with racist “goons” who harassed Gandhi on the streets of South Africa in his youth, or later in 1947 during the Hindu-Muslim riots in East Bengal when he provided solace to a grieving Hindu who was feeling guilty of killing a young Muslim boy in retaliation of his son’s death. Gandhi felt that human evil was the reflection of one’s inner conflicts, which could be resolved only from within.

Today, it is ironic that despite massive global build-up of arms and ammunitions including nuclear ones, the world is more insecure and aspires for peace. This is because wars and violence only beget more violence, not peace. Lasting peace can only be achieved through “Non-Violence” – the Gandhi’s formula. And, that is indeed, the essence of all Treatises and Accords between and among the nations today.

Dr. Chandra Mittal is Professor at Houston Community College, and can be contact at drckmittal@ yahoo.com.

Dr. Krishna and Michele Dronamraju Foundation for Genetic Research “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi.

“We send our sincere best wishes to the community and Voice of Asia on the release of a special commemorative issue highlighting the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi monument in the famous Mahatma Gandhi District that houses Little India, the well known Hillcroft Shopping Center.”

- Dr. Krishna and Michele Dronamraju and Foundation for Genetic Research.

ring

Hono

• Residential & Commercial Refrigeration • Indoor Air Quality survey/ Analysis • System Performance Evaluation • Installation, Repair & Regular Maintenance • Sales & Service All makes and models • New system installation • Air flow balancing & hot room solutions • Outstanding Customer Service

ji

dhi

Gan

AIR AN U COOL [713] 557 2536 E-mail: airanucool@gmail.com

Congratulations Houston!

We have done it again!

“I am certainly proud of where I live today. Houston is such a vibrant and glorious city. As Indians, we have only contributed positively to the growth and success of Mahatma Gandhi’s District where recently they installed a fitting monument to remember the glorious legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Affordable cost, Free Estimates • Outstanding Customer Service • Scheduled Maintenance Programs • Yearly Servicing of HVAC systems • Cost Effective, Maximizing Comfort • Serving Houston Metro and surrounding cities.

I take this opportunity to celebrate this historical moment, and stand in awe of what we have achieved collectively in helping Houston recognize the greatness of Mahatma Gandhiji and his timeless values and principles. I know we can pass on these values to our future generations.

- Harish Jajoo, Council Member, Sugar Land.

LICENSED AND INSURED

2006 Manila Lane, Houston, TX 77043

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

Sewa International USA “If the poor cannot come to education, education must go to them.”

- Mahatma Gandhi Sewa International is taking education to the doorstep of underprivileged in Houston.

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

Let us take the time to promote the Apostle of Peace and non-violence “I would like to wish the South Asian Indo-American Communities living here for installing the Gandhi monument in Hillcroft, which is called the Mahatma Gandhi District. It is fitting to honor this Apostle of Peace, who valued non-violence over anything else. We should follow his example and hold him as a shining example for future generations.

You are cordially invited to: Our Annual Fundraiser and Gala October 3rd, 2015 Saturday at 6:30 PM Shri Radha Krishna Temple 11625 Beechnut St, TX 77072

I would like to congratulate all the families and businesses, the Indian American organizations and supporters who have made this possible, so that Americans may learn more about Gandhiji.”

- Sam Kannappan

Keynote Speaker Sonal Shah, Executive Director Beeck Center |Sewa International | www.sewahouston.org | www.sewausa.org 1712 HWY 6 South|Houston,Texas 77077 | 713-303-4253

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

Special Issue

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Mahatma Gandhi – The man who changed the course of history ha that “the common man’s requirements are thus disregarded in comparison with those of the higher ups. This hut of Gandhi demonstrates to the world how the dignity of the common man can be brought up. It is also a symbol of the happiness that we can derive from practising the principles of simplicity, service and truthfulness.

Gandhi also insisted that we should lead the life in tune with nature. Our dependence on artificial things and machine made goods are increasing day by day. Therefore it creates waste. If we live close to the nature, there is nothing is wasted. All will be recycled and nature will take care of. We can live in a pollution free environment.

Live happily and peacefully and at the same time contribute your might for uplift of the needy and nation building.

A.Annamalai is the Director, of the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, India.

He can be reached at: nationalgandhimuseum@gmail. com

10th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Week 2015 Speech Contest

H

A young boy leading Gandhi during a walk

by A. Annamalai ahatma Gandhi himself declared that he has nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Nonviolence are as old as the hills. All he has done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as he could. He very humbly declared it. But it does not mean that he has done nothing new. He has changed the course of history from violence to nonviolence. Hitherto violence was the ultimate weapon to resolve the political conflicts but after his contribution through non-violent resistance i.e. satyagraha, nonviolence has occupied the centre stage of the recent political struggles all over the world.

In a nut shell we can call ‘sarvodaya’ as the core philosophy of Gandhian thought.

It is an inclusive philosophy of welfare of all with the emphasis on unto this lost. He was against the domination of anything in the name of

M

political power, money, social status, religious identity or gender. In South Africa he fought against injustice and inhuman treatment of Indians. In India resolving on the same principle, Gandhi fought the British Government. Simultaneously, he also fought for justice for the downtrodden, especially for the untouchables.

Gandhism is not a set of doctrines or dogmas, but it is an ever widening philosophy of life. It gives a new attitude and a new direction to understand the problems and to help arriving at a solution through traditional wisdom. It consists of actions and ideas, which Gandhi presented before the world as his experiments with truth.

Truth and nonviolence are the foundations on which the whole philosophy of Gandhi has been constructed. Nonviolence is the surest mean to reach the ultimate, i.e. Abso-

lute Truth. Truth for him is God. Therefore he completely rejected the path of violence to achieve even nobler goals.

In his view, means should be pure and good, then only we can reach the nobler goal. He considered means to be the most important than the ends.

If we take care of the means, it will definitely take us to the goal. He never accepted that the end justifies the means.

Simple living and high thinking is the basis for his philosophy of life. In the name of comforts, actually we are complicating our lives and finally end up in dissatisfaction, discontent and unpleasant relationship with all.

Simple living is needed for sharing our scarce resources by all concerned without omitting the voiceless and the powerless.

Ivan Illich, a famous author of Deschooling Society once said after visiting Gandhi’s Ashram in Sevagram, Ward-

OUSTON - Many know him as Mahatma and many more know him as father of Bharat, India.

But the world knows him as an apostle of peace and non-violence. Anyone ever wanted to know more about Gandhi ji and his values should have listened to the mesmerizing speeches delivered by about 40 children at Arya Samaj Greater Houston on Saturday September 26thduring Mahatma Gandhi Library Speech Contest 2015 as part of annual ‘1000 Lights for Peace’ celebration.

The speech contests now in its 10th year and has seen a steady increase in the interest and number of children participating. About 40 children took part in the contest divided in to two categories. The age group 10 and below delivered a speech on the topic “Bullying: My Perspective”, whereas the age group 11 and up delivered a speech on the topic “Does War Lead to Peace?”. Those who had a chance to listen to these young participants were simply hypnotized by the confidence and composure of the contestants. ‘They were simply bril-

liant’ as Mr. Karam Gupta – the coordinator of this year’s contest said while commenting on the speeches delivered by children. All the participants did an excellent job in presenting their thoughts about Gandhian values often relating their own personal experiences with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr. Rajan Chawla – the cocoordinator for this year’s contest started the program with a brief orientation and extended a warm welcome to the participants. He noted how encouraging it has been to see the enthusiasm of children and growing interest in the speech contest. He also provided the rules and guidelines to ensure that the entire contest is conducted in an organized and timely manner.

The audience was treated to a fascinating experience with children as young as five years speaking about their perception and experiences of bullying. It was amazing to see how much these kids are aware of as well as prepared to handle this prevalent social issue.

Elder age group presented a lot of diverse opinion about

a complex topic “Does War Lead to Peace?”. Many children quoted Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Ashoka and other great leaders. They also quoted examples and verses from ancient scriptures that impressed the audience. The topic seemed aptly suitable for the current days and time when the world is facing conflicts in many parts and when terrorism has become a new tool for some to inflict pain on humanity. Children drawing examples and references from their own lives to illustrate points about peace, non-violence, truth and values was very impressive.

Mr. Vijay Singh, the board member of Mahatma Gandhi Library applauded the kids for their efforts and parents for their support. He thanked the judges and volunteers for their selfless service towards spreading Gandhian values. He also invited all the participants and parents to join the grand finale ‘1000 Lights for Peace’ - an international cultural program to be organized as part of Gandhi Jayanti week at 05:00pm on Sunday October 4th at Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park Houston.

Voice of Asia thanks its advertisers for making this a momentous issue

ring

Hono

ji

ring

dhi

Gan

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

“Wishing the city of Houston and Voice of Asia News Group the very best” - Arun Verma

N O VA ASSET MANAGEMENT

Wishing Houstonians the very best Jugal and Raj Malani SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY

Celebrating the Main Temple Kumbhabishekam

“We Must Become the Change we want to see” -Mahatma Gandhi

Best Wishes & Compliments

(MTK 2015 during November 22-29)

Culminating with the Maha Kumbhabishekam on Sunday November 29th, 2015 (Thanksgiving weekend Sunday) MTS Congratulates Voice of Asia on the commemorative issue celebrating the 146th Birth anniversary of

Mahatma Gandhiji

From Prof. Chandra K. Mittal, M.S., Ph.D., FCP (Co-Founder, Indo-American Association - Houston) & Sarita Mittal, M.S.

ring

Hono

ji

dhi

Gan

“Hindu Dharma is like a boundless ocean teeming with priceless gems. The deeper you dive the more treasures you find” - Mahatma Gandhi.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Swami Suhitananda ji’s inspirational address to VSGH devotees

by Sanchali Basu

I

t was an eventful couple of days for the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH), when the General Secretary Maharaj of Belur Math, Swami Suhitanandaji graced the center with his presence along with Swami Sarvadevanandaji, Head of the Vedanta Society of Southern California and Sw Shubhakaranandaji of Belur Math Sept 24th and 25th.

A reception for the Swami was arranged on the evening of September 24, which was attended by important community members like Imam Mubasher Ahmed of Ahmadiya Muslim Community, Matt Kahn, Associate Director of Interfaith Minisries of Greater Houston, Bhai Bhupinder Singh Paras and Mandeep Singh of Gurudwara Sahib of Southwest Houston and Pandit Suman Ghosh, ace student of Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj. An alumnus of Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission School, from where Panditji imbibed his training and interest in classical mu-

sic, paid homage by singing a melodious Bhajan to begin the evening program.

Swami Suhitanandaji spoke on, “Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi – The Epitome of Motherhood.” He quoted, “Just as a mother needs no language to speak to the child, similarly, for the Holy Mother, language was never a barrier and she could communicate with everyone.”

Even Swami Vivekananda derived inspiration from her as she represented Godliness and provided the strengthening force in the Ramakrishna order after the passing of Sri Ramakrishna.

A Youth Forum dedicated to discussing, “The Different Facets of Swami Vivekananda,” was the highlight of the evening of September 25. Swami Suhitanandaji addressed the youth by saying that, “Only one word can describe Swami Vivekananda – Superlative. With him a new chapter of world civilization started. He explained how to utilize knowledge to give a new dimension, to religion,

organization, science, morality, spirituality and concept of human life and utilize God for the development of the world through JivaSeva and seeing God in every human being NaraNarayan.”

The youth presentations started with a Bhajan by a 9 year old.

The enthusiastic participants then talked about Swamiji as a story teller, poet, educationist, young spiritual seeker, and an Epitome of strength. Swamiji’s sense of humor and the human side of Swamiji were also among the other topics of discussion at the forum. Participants ranged in age groups from 12 to 27. All the presentations were very well received by the audience and each presentation was well researched.

The concluding portion of the forum dealt with the topic of Swamiji as a Musician and aptly enough, the children of Pandit Ghosh interspersed their presentation with Bhajans.

The Swamis were impressed by the tremendously dedicated group of devotees and men-

tioned feeling the good vibrations at the center. The devotees were indeed touched and honored by the visit of the high ranking officials of the Belur Math and this may lead the way to definitely getting a resident Swami at VSGH. The next program scheduled at VSGH is its Annual Sri Durga Puja on October 17, 2015. Please visit the website: www.houstonvedanta.org for updates on Sri Durga Puja and other Swami Suhitanandaji, General Secretary Maharaj of Belur Math delivering his upcoming events address at the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston. Photo by Jiten G. Patel. at the society.

Jain Vishwa Bharati Houston, Texas

“The best tribute to Gandhiji is to follow what he followed – Ahimsa, the main pillar of Jainism”

We invite everyone to our Anniversary Celebration Event and Pooja on Oct 10th & 11th, details of which are available at: Members of the Youth Forum with Swami Sarvadevanandaji, Head of the Vedanta Society of Southern California. Photo credit: Jiten G. Patel

www.jvbhouston.org

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 13

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Vol. 28 No. 40 Friday, October 2, 2015 Section 2 Page 13 Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140

Variety the spice of life for Mumbai’s tiffin carriers

by Peter HUTCHISON umbai’s world-renowned tiffin service is no longer the preserve of loyal housewives cooking up generations-old family dishes to be delivered to their husbands’ offices by the city’s famous “dabbawallahs”.

Now a host of health-conscious young start-ups are using -- and sometimes superseding -- the dabbawallahs to deliver lunches catering to all diets, with tailored menus offering an array of global cuisines online.

The 5,000 or so lunchbox delivery men, instantly recognisable by their white cotton uniforms and Nehru caps, pedal through Mumbai’s congested streets carrying everything from Thai to Mexican, as well as healthy takes on local favourites.

“The number of tiffins (meals) being sent by food companies has gone up sharply in the past few years,” said Raghunath Medage, president of Mumbai’s dabbawallah union.

M

- ‘Whatever you want’ “We wanted to fill the gap between a tiffin service, which has the same old pattern of food, and a restaurant, where you can order whatever you want, by providing customers with a choice of options that still have a homely feel,” said founder Pratik Jain.

“There’s a lot of variety in the menu, not just Indian food but international too, and plenty of healthy options as well,” the 29-year-old former management student told AFP. The website, which Jain says has around 300 users a day and is growing at around 70 percent a year, has teamed up with a nutritionist who designs lowcalorie meals to attract health-conscious customers.

“It’s a competitive business with lots of players in the market. It’s much more professional now with several tech-savvy start-ups, and people keep switching from one tiffin service to another,” said Jain.

Tina Parikh, an office worker in the south of the city, said she orders from

An Indian dabbawallah, or lunchbox deliveryman, carries a cart filled with lunch boxes to an assembly point before delivering them to offices in Mumbai (AFP Photo/Punit Paranjpe).

Lunch boxes wait to be delivered at an online meal delivery firm’s kitchen.

“The share of homemade food we carry has fallen from 100 percent to around 60 percent, and we expect that number to keep dropping,” he told AFP. Dabbawallahs, literally meaning “box carriers”, have been plying Mumbai’s streets for well over a century.

They featured in the hit 2013 Indian film “The Lunchbox” centring on the story of a wife whose home-cooked meals were collected by a dabbawallah and then delivered, incorrectly, to a stranger’s office rather her husband’s.

But now many of the meals inside the tin containers that clatter against each other as they hang from the dabbawallahs’ rickety bicycles are handpicked on the Internet by busy professionals enjoying a wealth of choice.

Yummy Tiffins, which proudly bills itself as “India’s first customised online tiffin service”, allows users to design their own menus from around 40 dishes for every day of the week up to a month in advance.

a company called SoulCare because it allows her to focus on her job.

“It’s purely about convenience. Early in the morning, to cook meals and then come to work gets a little tiring,” she told AFP, collecting her tiffin from a handcart.

Her friend Vinayak Azad has stuck to home-cooked food but joked that he may consider switching to one of the many low-calorie alternatives whipped up by professional chefs that are on offer.

“There are a lot of good services around and I think I should try them considering my tummy is still out even with home food!”

Yummy Tiffins employs Mumbai’s famously efficient dabbawallahs who deliver lunches to around 200,000 people a day via trains, bicycles and handcarts using a complex colour-coded alpha-numeric system admired the world over.

Their business model has been recog-

An Indian dhabawallah packs lunch boxes at an online meal delivery firm’s kitchen in Mumbai nised by Harvard as working to a “six sigma” rating, meaning it is virtually unheard of for a lunch to be delivered to the wrong place.

- Dabbawallahs get competition But some caterers are moving away from the dabbawallahs in favour of private delivery vans.

Maqsood Patel, co-founder of Foodizm, another online meal delivery firm, said his company was increasingly opting for a concierge service to ferry lunches to their “elite” clientele.

“They deliver the meals right to the customers’ desks, whereas the dabbawallahs often drop them at the front gate and you have to go downstairs to look for your meal,” Patel told AFP. “Also, since they travel by train there can be a three or four-hour gap from the time a dabbawallah collects the meal to the time it’s delivered.

“Obviously with the food travelling in the heat something like a salad can go a little bit off,” he added.

Patel said the drivers’ English was

often better than that of the dabbawallahs who hail from rural Maharashtra and speak Marathi, making it easier to communicate, while customers can also use a mobile app to track the progress of deliveries.

But Medage, president of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers’ Association, is unconcerned.

“We are still getting fresh recruits from villages because not many opportunities exist there. With hard work they can make at least 10,000 rupees ($150) a month instead of nothing back home.”

TCM Acupuncture & Herbs Clinic • 713-541-0616 Using Natural herbs & Acupuncture, Dr. Xiaona Yang we treat: Medical Dermatology: Acne, Texas Licensed Acupuncturist Eczema, Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Shingles, and (AC01513) Palmoplantar Pustulosis.

Over 13 years experience Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren’ Syndrome Cell :832-340-8205 Email: tcmhoustontx@gmail.com SS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cancer Adjuvant Therapy. www.acupunctureherbshouston.com Other: Post Stroke Rehab, Hormone Dr. Xiaona Yang Imbalance, Depression, Insomnia & Gout. 9440 Bellaire Blvd #238 Houston TX 77036 Keeping the body in balance • Healing by Ancient Chinese Therapy

Proof

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 14

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Americans shift away from traditional jobs: study

by Rob Lever

they made more money working on their own than they would in a traditional job.

M

ore than 42 million Americans are part of the independent workforce, representing a shift away from traditional jobs as more people join sectors such as the “on-demand” economy, a study showed Tuesday.

- Weighing risks Those working independently were split on whether the lifestyle carries more risks -- 48 percent said being independent carries more risks than traditional employment, and 32 percent said the risks were roughly equal.

The study by MBO Partners covers a variety of professions, but a growing portion of those are made up of young workers taking “gigs” with startups such as ride-sharing giant Uber or delivery services like Instacart.

A solid majority of independent workers said they were satisfied with their situation, compared with 47 percent of traditional workers, MBO said.

The number earning a substantial part of their income from independent work was estimated at 30.2 million in 2015 -- 17.8 million full-time and 12.4 million part-time.

The report said the number of independent workers in America is expected to grow from 30.2 million to roughly 37.9 million in 2020, in part due to businesses seeking flexibility and also because young adults are more comfortable in thelifestyle.

The survey found another 11.9 million Americans are “occasional independents,” bringing the total number to 42.1 million.

The total includes many traditionally independent workers including accountants, doctors and real estate agents.

But much of the growth is coming from “sharing economy” platforms that allow people to work flexible hours, said Gene Zaino, founder and chief executive of MBO, which provides services to independent workers.

“We think most of the occasional independents work in the sharing economy, along with a large number of the part-timers,” Zaino told AFP.

More than 42 mn Americans are part of the independent workforce, representing a shift away from traditional jobs, a study shows (AFP Photo/Spencer Platt) While the study does not break down sectors, Zaino said anecdotal evidence suggests “more than a third” of the total number of independents work in the on-demand economy.

The 2015 numbers are littlechanged from 2014 -- probably because some independents are moving

to traditional jobs as the labor market firms -- but have grown considerably since the survey began in 2011, MBO said.

The trend toward on-demand jobs has sparked concern that these workers lack the traditional social safety net of conventional employees, such

as employer-paid health insurance, sick leave and disability coverage.

Roughly six in 10 said that working independently was their choice entirely and nearly 80 percent of the independents said they were happier working, the consultancy found.

Some 45 percent said they believed

Adding occasional independents, the projected number of US adults working independently will grow to an estimated 54 million or nearly 45 percent of the private, non-farm workforce, the group said.

“The independent workforce is thriving, and we’re predicting that it will expand at more than five times the rate of the overall hiring growth in the United States in the next five years,” said Zaino.

“Independent workers are a key driver of the American economy, producing $1.15 trillion in revenues each year, and we expect this number will continue to grow.”

Talvar - Opens October 2nd in NA

W

inning rave reviews at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival, Irrfan Khan’s much-anticipated new crime thriller TALVAR releases in North American theaters this Friday, October 2.

The film has also been invited to screen this fall at the BFI London Film Festival as well as the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. Konkona Sen Sharma costars with Khan and Vishal Bhardwaj has written the screenplay.

Irrfan Khan, cast in the lead role

SYNOPSIS: Talvar is a fictional dramatization of true life events revolving around the Aarushi Talvar murder case investigation. Known as the ‘Noida Double Murder Case’, it happened in the city adjoining India’s capital, Delhi, in 2008.

The incident still resonates in the minds of the public, as there is no sense of closure in the case in spite of a guilty verdict – the parents of the murdered girl have been

sentenced to life for killing her.

Boasting of power packed performances by Irrfan Khan (The Lunchbox, Life of Pi), Konkona Sen Sharma and Neeraj Kabi, it also has Tabu (The Namesake) in a special appearance. With Gulzar’s lyrics, Vishal Bharwaj’s music and cinematography by Pankaj Kumar (Haider, Ship Of Theseus), the thriller is a work of fiction which is based on one if the most intriguing and talked about murder cases in recent Indian history.

HEALTH, SC & TECH

VOICE OF ASIA 15

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Is America ready to kick the junk food habit?

by John BIERS

ful” food” effect may do little to address the obesity crisis which now affects some 78.5 million American adults, bringing increased risks of diabetes and heart disease.

N

EW YORK - Cagefree eggs at McDonald’s, bans on suspect ingredients and “healthful” options edging out junk on supermarket shelves: could America be ready to end its decadesold love affair with processed food?

In 2013, obesity affected more than a quarter of the population in 43 US states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

US food firms and restaurant chains have been lining up to banish items perceived as unhealthy or unethical -from additive-laden snacks to industrially-farmed meats -- in what experts see as a powerful trend.

- ‘Load up the calories’ “You need to look at the fine print,” said Jacobson.

He criticized Chipotle, whose motto is “Food with integrity,” for continuing to serve food “loaded” with sodium, while offering few fruits and vegetables.

“It’s kind of like a whole bunch of things happening, snowballing,” said Penny KrisEtherton, a professor of nutrition at Penn State University.

Beyond the farmers’ markets and organic delis that have long dotted more affluent US neighborhoods, American consumers are being wooed en masse with promises of “healthful” or “natural” foods, free of GMOs, additives and nasties.

A Chipotle burrito made with chicken, white rice, salsa, beans, cheese and sour cream still has about 1,050 calories and 2,085 milligrams of sodium. Scoop on the cheese, guacamole or second meat options, and you push those counts up to half an adult’s daily recommended calories and all of the sodium.

A little girl eating fries. AFP Photo.

Just this month, McDonald’s said it would transition to more humanely produced eggs within 10 years, following a switch to “real” butter instead of margarine in some dishes.

“What people want is food that’s a little bit healthier,” said Light. “’Healthier’ doesn’t mean it’s perfectly healthy.”

Kellogg plans to banish artificial flavors and colors from its cereals, and Mondelez, maker of Ritz crackers and Oreo cookies, set itself a target of 50 percent so-called “well-being” snacks by 2020.

“You could take a perfectly ‘healthy’ option and load up the calories,” agreed Kris-Etherton, who serves on nutrition advisory boards for McDonald’s and the American Heart Association.

“It’s moved from being a fringe issue in a niche market to becoming a mainstream desire,” said former McDonald’s chief marketing officer Larry Light.

The trend crosses the generations, with baby boomers seeking to avert age-associated ills as they live longer, and millennials fixated on health and ecological concerns, experts say.

Sign of the times: the bakery chain Panera Bread vowed to excise 150 “unacceptable” ingredients while Chipotle Mexican Grill said it was banning antibiotic-raised meats and would use more local produce.

Retail behemoth Walmart has told suppliers to curb the use of antibiotics in meat, a year after it began to mass market organic foods -- part of a trend that saw the organic market jump more

than tenfold from 1997 to 2014, to $35.9 billion.

Social media has been intensifying pressure on the food industry to clean up its act, creating the scope for negative publicity to go viral.

Photos of hens stuffed in cages, for instance, helped spur passage of a California referendum in 2008 guaranteeing the birds adequate conditions.

Likewise, Coca-Cola was put on the defensive by a 2012 video that showed its iconic polar bear suffering the consequences of diabetes and tooth decay.

Call Ramesh Cherivirala Ph.D, LUTCF Financial Adviser

The soda giant has since promised a push on smaller-pack and lower-calorie drinks.

- Public relations not public health Once-mighty brands such as Nestle’s “Lean Cuisine” frozen meals are downplaying the “diet” argument to focus instead on their use of organic ingredients.

“People are looking for healthier lifestyles and a lot of that is perception that the more manufacturing there is, the less healthful it is,” said Light, who

Eagle Strategies LLC

For all your insurance and financial needs • Life Insurance • Managed Accounts • Long term care insurance IRA, 401k, 403b, 529 plans** • Disability insurance* • Roll over of 401k, 403b, TRS, • Fixed and variable annuities** TSA • Health insurance* • Defined Benefit plans 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd, # 550, Sugar Land, TX 77478

now chairs the brand management consultancy Arcature. “’Fresh’ is a signal of healthier than processed,” he said, even though “it may have just as many calories.”

And here comes the tricky part.

Michael Jacobson, executive director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said many of the changes trumpeted are just window-dressing in health terms.

He praised Panera for eliminating artificial food dyes and trans-fats as part of a “food as it should be” campaign. But he explains that other items on its blacklist, such as sodium lactate, while they may sound problematic, are actually benign.

“Those moves are more about public relations than public health,” said Jacobson.

Look closer, and the “health-

T

OKYO, Japan- The company behind a chatty Japanese humanoid named Pepper has felt the need to remind customers who purchase the robots not to engage in sex with them.

Mobile phone giant SoftBank, which sells the units in Japan, states helpfully in its user agreement: “The policy owner must not perform any sexual act or other indecent behaviour.”

rcherivirala@ft.newyorklife.com

immigration LAW

H-1B, L, E, TN, Visas, PERM Labor, EB-2, I-140, Green Card, Appeals, F-1, OPT

713-953-7787

Houston Office: 11000 Richmond Ave., Ste: 600, Houston, TX 77042

Reddy & Neumann is a premier boutique immigration law firm that has served individuals and companies from our Houston office since 1997. Our team of attorneys exceeds expectations by providing prompt, professional and practical legal representation.

214-281-8900

Dallas Office: 15950 N.Dallas Pkwy, Ste: 400, Dallas, TX 75248

One third of US children eat pizza or other fast food every day -- about the same as in the 1990s -- according to a study released this month by the CDC. Fifty-five percent of Americans who rated their health as “very good” or “excellent” were in reality obese or overweight, according to an annual survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation.

The same study found that just half of US consumers were concerned about the healthfulness of their diet, with health rated as less important than either taste or price.

And so, it seems, the quickfix snacks are here to stay.

“There’s a proper place for treats in a balanced diet,” summed up Mondelez chief growth officer Mark Clouse.

“We’re not turning everything into health food.”

media in Japan to light up in amazement.

While SoftBank wants Pepper to behave like a good little robot and not a spicy sex-bot, the fine print is somewhat ambiguous, with some people taking it to mean customers are not barred from physical relations with the droid, just from using it for “improper purposes”.

But even for that outlay, SoftBank warned buyers that the pint-sized droid cannot be used outside or to inflict harm on human beings.

However, a spokesman for the company made clear that tampering with the robot’s software to give it a sexy voice was a definite no-no.

Other clauses prohibit using Pepper to send out spam email but the ban on sex with the plastic machine -- which stands just 120-centimetres (four feet) and moves on rollers -- is the most baffling, causing social

Pepper, also used widely in SoftBank stores to greet customers, went on sale in June for 198,000 yen ($1,640) and the initial shipment of 1,000 units sold out online in one minute.

Youngest Astrologer of North America Astrologer, Vaastu & Gem Stone Consultant

“HARDIK VYAS” Astrologer Hardik Vyas, a famous young face in Vedic Astrology from India is available in Houston. Call for guidance on Health, Wealth, Education, Career, Business, Property, Love & Passion, Marriage & Compatibility, HoroscopeMaking, Child Problem, Luck & Fortune, Peace & Prosperity, Karma & Economical Sources.

*** Financial Adviser offers advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser; ** Registered representative offers securities through NYLIFE Securities, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC) A licensed insurance agency Agent, New York Life Insurance Company, 3200 Southwest Freeway, # 1900, Houston, TX 77027; 713961-4545 *Products offered through one or more carriers not affiliated with New York Life or its subsidiaries. #Offered by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation.

Email us: info@rnlawgroup.com

This is, after all, the home of the “Heart Attack Grill” -- a notorious Las Vegas restaurant whose tongue-in-cheek menu boasts the Guinness world record for the highest calorie burger.

The wise-cracking Pepper -who, according to its makers, can read people’s emotions -costs a cool $1,600.

PLANNING SERVICES • Estate Planning • Business Planning • Retirement Planning • Investment Planning*** • Education Planning • Networth Analysis • Life Insurance Planning

www.rnlawgroup.com

That touches on a core issue, since studies suggest a sizeable chunk of the American public is content to keep knocking back the quarter-pounders.

SoftBank said lewd acts could trigger punitive action, although exactly what kind of punishment offenders faced -- and how anyone would ever find out -- was not made clear in yet another grey area.

Visit: www.RCherryFinancial.com Bus: (281) 295-2726 Cell: (713) 875-4336 Email:

- ‘Heart Attack Grill’ -

Japan robot owners warned off droid sex

AFP/AFP/File - McDonald’s says it will transition to more humanely produced eggs within 10 years, following a switch to “real” butter instead of margarine in some dishes

- Polar bear with tooth decay

“The key thing is people just have to be knowledgeable.”

Vaastushastra, the ancient science of land.

Fix and appointment for personal visit to your home, plot, business/office, shop, factory, and hotel. To gain peace of mind and prosperity, by doing little changes as per Vaastu Shastra. Simple, Easy, Scientific & Affordable solutions/remedies to overcome problems in your Horoscope and Vaastu.

5 4

6

3K 2

Mn, Gu

7

1

Shani

Su, Bu

10

8 9R

Mang

12V Kindly Note: Astrology & VaastuShastra are 11

Science of Nature, not related with any religion, caste, or community. It is an Occult Science and gift of nature for the welfare of people to get proper advice.

We Speak in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi languages.

Listen to me live on Sound Asia 10.50AM Radio

E-mail: askfuture@hotmail.com • Ph: 832-298-9950

www.toaskfuture.com

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Friday, October 2, 2015

Section 2

Page 16

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Wells Fargo Survey: Millennials Most Optimistic About Finances, Future During Get Smart About Credit month, “How America Buys and Borrows” survey charts Americans’ optimism about personal finances and the future

S

AN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29, 2015 – Americans feel optimistic about their finances and the future, according to the third “How America Buys and Borrows” survey by Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and Ipsos. The findings show millennials, ages 18-35, are the most optimistic about their finances and report being most likely to buy a home in the next three years. This optimism is a shift from last year when generations were more united than divided in their outlook. Wells Fargo releases this survey data as part of its annual support of the American Bankers Association’s Get Smart About Credit campaign.

Twenty-eight percent of millennials rate their current financial situation favorably, compared to 24 percent of the general population.

Looking ahead, 66 percent of millennials feel their personal financial situation will improve, compared to 48 percent of the general population – an 18 percent divide.

Millennials are most likely to be in the process of refinancing their mortgage or buying an investment property, vacation home or new home for themselves.

Nearly a third of millennials say they plan to buy a new home in the next three years, compared to 19 percent of their general population counterparts.

Survey Results – Consumers Optimistic Yet Want More Knowledge When asked how they feel about their current financial situations and expectations for the future, respondents are optimistic. Eighty-two percent of respondents report their financial situation today is stable to strong and 90 percent say that they expect their personal financial situation will stay the same or get better a year from now.

Additional findings reveal a thirst for more knowledge: More than half (52 percent) of respondents say borrowing

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

Low heart rate in teen boys linked to violent crime ASHINGTON Boys with a low resting heart rate in their late teens run a higher risk of turning to a life of violent crime when grown, a study out Wednesday suggests.

W

ful stimuli, which can lead to reckless behavior.

born from 1958 to 1991, who were followed for up to 35.7 years. Their average age was 18 when they had RHR and blood pressure measured.

money makes them uncomfortable.

Half report some level of discomfort with the payments they currently make to repay debt.

A third (34 percent) grade their overall understanding of personal finances a C, D or F. Forty-one percent grade their overall understanding of how credit scores work a C, D or F. Forty-five percent grade their overall understanding of credit and loan products a C, D or F. Forty-five percent grade their overall understanding of what banks consider when approving a credit product or loan a C, D or F.

“How America Buys and Borrows” survey results coincide with the American Bankers Association’s Get Smart About Credit Day (officially celebrated on Oct. 15, 2015), a national campaign that encourages bankers to volunteer to work with young people and raise awareness about the importance of using credit and debt responsibly. As part of the Get Smart About Credit program, Wells Fargo set a goal of reaching at least 60,000 people by volunteering in classrooms and community centers to teach credit lessons across the country.

10 Tips to Get Smarter About Credit

How Teachers, Parents Can Help Sleepy Teens Stay Awake at School

Good credit helps with more than borrowing. It can factor into everything from renting an apartment and getting a cell phone, to landing a job. Lenders, landlords, utility providers, and employers can all review credit reports when making decisions. Here are 10 tips to help manage credit: Monitor your credit regularly Know your credit limits Know that l scores = good rates l ments

good

Don’t make late pay-

Know your debt-tol income ratio l Start with a college or secured credit card l Pay down highest interest rates first l means

Live

within

your

Experts say that low resting heart rate (RHR) is either an indicator of a chronically low level of psychological arousal, which may lead some people to seek stimulating experiences, or a marker of weakened responses to aversive and stress-

The findings were published online by JAMA Psychiatry.

Antti Latvala, of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm and the University of Helsinki in Finland, and coauthors studied data on 710,264 Swedish men

Of these, 40,093 were convicted of a violent crime during the years they were followed.

The authors found that compared with 139,511 men with the highest RHR -- 83 beats per minute or more -- the 132,595 men with the lowest RHR -- 60 beats per minute or less -- had a 39 percent higher chance of being convicted of violent crimes and a 25 percent higher chance of getting convicted of nonviolent crimes.

When a later school start time isn’t an option, parents and teachers can help teens develop healthy sleep habits, one expert says.

by Alexandra Pannoni full night’s sleep is a luxury for many teens.

A

Two out of three high school students sleep less than eight hours each night, even though they need between 8.5 and 9.5 hours, says Dr. Judith Owens, director of sleep medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Insufficient sleep has been linked to a myriad of health issues, such as depression and obesity, and lower levels of academic achievement, Owens says.​

l Set up account and autopay alerts

Most high schools start before 8:30 a.m., making it hard for many teens – who generally have a hard time falling asleep naturally before 11 p.m., Owens says – to get enough shut-eye​.

For more information about ways to establish or improve credit – or better manage debt – consumers can visit Wells Fargo’s Smarter Credit™ Center and our free financial education program, Hands on Banking®.

​ hile two large school disW tricts​ recently made changes to their ​high school start times – Fairfax County in Virginia and Montgomery County in Maryland –​ it might not be possible for some districts.

Get Smart About Credit campaign

Nothing replaces a good night’s​ rest, but teachers and parents can help their high

l Pay more than the minimum amount

The findings could lead to improved ways to stop certain people from indulging in crime before it is too late.

“Our results confirm that, in addition to being associated with aggressive and antisocial outcomes in childhood and adolescence, low RHR increases the risk for violent and nonviolent antisocial behaviors in adulthood,” the authors conclude.

schoolers stay awake during the school day with the following recommendations.

1. Advocate for later high school start times: When teens hit puberty, often in middle school,​ there is a shift in their circadian rhythms so that bedtime and waking​ get​ delayed, Owens says.

Plus, teens have other​ priorities competing for sleep like homework, after-school jobs and extracurricular activi- Many teens can’t fall asleep before 11 p.m. naturally, either. Photo source: US News Education. ties.​ schools, Owens says,​ since they can be powerful voices.

That’s something parents could help with as well.

school day: If possible, essential core subjects shouldn’t be held in the first two periods of the day, says Owens.

“Those kids’ brains are asleep and teachers will tell you, very readily, that if they are teaching a first period class, half the class has their heads down on their desk,” she says.

Later high school start times could help.

“Certainly that’s not a ​change that’s going to occur overnight, but I think if teachers become engaged in that dialogue with the school superintendent and the principal and their students, that they can do a lot to move this forward in their community.”

Teachers could advocate for a start time change in their

2. Have teens avoid scheduling core classes early in the

If a teen needs to wake up at 5 a.m. to catch the bus at 5:45 a.m. and goes to bed at 11 p.m., for example, he or she will only get six hours of sleep, says Owens, who was the lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on school start times for adolescents​.

Educators on Twitter told U.S. News they keep sleepy teens awake by making class engaging. Courtesy: USNews Education.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Thanksgiving Friday

10

2

O ctober th through November 9 th Tickets available at

or at TexRenFest.com

Masterji Presents Energetic New Era - Dilwalon Kee Mehfil

by Increased Public Demand

Saturday, 12 December 2015 SHAKE HOUSTON! SHAKE! Learn Fast Dance... Bollywood Dance!

Classical Dance Folk Dance, Diwali Dance, Unique Indian Culture Dance Express SHOW! Limited Time Registration! Please hurry!

For more information, please call us at: • 832-641-8297 • 832-434-7954 Masterjitrivedi@gmail.Com

Get in your Dancing Shoes...Dance the Night away!

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Bollywood Masala

Friday, October 2, 2015

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Section 2

Page 17

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Priyanka Chopra’s lead role on Lifetime achievement ABC’s new hit show, ‘Quantico’ award for Shashi Kapoor Mumbai, Sep 29 Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor will be honoured with lifetime achievement award at the 6th Jagran Film Festival here.

Kapoor, 77, has worked in movies like “Deewaar”, “Namak Halaal”, “Satyam Shivam Sundaram”,” Suhaag” apart from doing English film projects including, “The Householder, “Shakespeare Wallah” and “Muhafiz”.

“We are proud and happy that the Lifetime Achievement Shashi Kapoor Award this year is to be presented to Shashi ema.

Kapoor who has enriched the cinematic medium through his “It is an honour that he has vast and wide range of contri- kindly consented to receive bution as an actor and producer this award,” Manoj Srivastava, and has patronised good cin- Strategic Consultant, Jagran

Film Festival, said.

The 6th edition of Jagran Film Festival is scheduled from September 28 to October 4 at Fun Cinemas, Andheri. (PTI)

Alarm and Security Services Prianka Chopra’s plays Alex Parrish “Quantico.”

P

riyanka Chopra, 33, is getting a lot of attention as not only the lead on ABC’s new FBI show, “Quantico,” but the first South Asian actress to lead an American series.

But most Americans have no clue that she is already a big deal in India. Not only did she place at the Miss India pageant, she went on to win Miss World. She would then have a successful career as a film actress in Bollywood.

On “Quantico,” Chopra’s character, Alex Parrish, is suspected of being behind one of the biggest terrorist attacks on American soil. Over the season, we’ll learn more and more about what makes Alex tick.

Similarly, there’s more to Chopra than meets the eye.

Asha Bhosle’s son Hemant passes away in Scotland

M

UMBAI, Sep 29 (PTI) Veteran singer Asha Bhosle’s son Hemant died in Scotland after losing his battle with cancer.

He was 66.

Hemant’s death comes three years after the 82-year-old singer lost her daughter, Varsha, in 2012. Varsha was suffering from depression and committed suicide.

Hemant’s cousin, Radha Mangeshkar, said they had hoped for his recovery but the musician passed away on September 26.

“He was suffering from cancer for past three years... the family was in trauma since then.

We did hope that he would get well. He passed away in Scotland on September 26. He was 66,” Radha, Bhosle’s niece, told PTI. The family was set to celebrate Lata Mangeshkar’s 86th birthday on September 27 but they cancelled it after they got to know about the demise of Asha’s eldest son, she said.

“We had Ganpati Visarjan on September 27, but kept it very low key. We did not celebrate her (Lata Mangeshkar’s) birthday,” Radha said.

Hemant composed music in films like “Damaad”, “Nazrana Pyar Ka” and “Shradhanjali”.

Arvind Kejriwal meets Akshay Kumar

D

elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today met Akshay Kumar here after he was informed the Bollywood superstar helped raise funds for families of 100 drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra.

Akshay, 48, was in the national capital to promote his upcoming comedy “Sing Is Bliing”.

He asked people present at a fashion show held around the film’s theme to donate money for the farmers’ families.

The actor earlier pledged Rs 90 lakh for relief of the farmers.

He is the latest celebrity after Nana Patekar to come out in the support of distressed farmers.

Wireless monitoring with interactive services only $ 22.95 per month Arming and disarming of an alarm system using your iphone, Android, Pc Get instant text or e-mail notification on any alarm activity Eligible for Homeowner’s Insurance DISCOUNT UP TO 20%

DAC SECURITY NO LONG TERM CONTRACT

$POUBDU 4"+* 832-867-9064

Email:dacalarm@gmail.com TX LIC# 17487 Refer a friend and get one month free!!

NO CREDIT CHECK

HEALTHY LIVING

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

VOICE OF ASIA

Friday, October 2, 2015

Section 2

Page 18

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Spotting Lung Cancer Early – Free Lung Cancer Awareness Event at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

S

UGAR LAND – (September 30, 2015) – Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among men and women in the United States. More people die each year of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined.

Despite new diagnostic techniques, most patients are still diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. Lung cancer screenings help high risk individuals receive a diagnosis and treatment plan at an early stage, when the disease is easier to treat – and possibly cure.

If you’re a current or former smoker, you may be eligible for lung cancer screenings that Medicare and private insurance now cover. Following a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation, insurers this year began covering annual low-dose radiation CT scans for certain patients.

Q: Who is eligible for screening?

A:.Individuals 55 to 77 years of age who currently smoke or

have quit smoking in the past 15 years; have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.); and receive a written order from a physician.

Q: Does insurance cover the cost?

A: Lung cancer screenings are covered for eligible patients by private insurance and Medicare, but a copay or deductible may apply. Medicare requires providers to include smoking cessation counseling prior to the scan. Call your insurance company for more information.

Cost for self-pay is $225.

Q: What happens during screening?

A: A CT machine using lowdose radiation scans and takes images of the lungs while patients lie on a table.

“Aside from giving up cigarettes, lung cancer screening with CT is the most significant development in reducing deaths from lung cancer,” said Robert Malone, M.D., Medi-

L

also been attempted in Saudi Arabia and Turkey but in both cases did not lead to live births.

Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecologist at the Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, will lead a team of surgeons carrying out the trial following 19 years of research.

“There’s an innate desire for many women to carry their own baby and this procedure has, potentially, the capacity to satisfy that innate desire,” Smith told BBC radio.

Around one in 5,000 women is born without a womb, while others lose the organ as a result of cancer.

Smith said it was “heartrending” to meet those women af-

N

early all Medicare Advantage members have access to plans that charge no monthly premium, and more people are enrolling in what the government has deemed higherquality plans.

The CMS is also still attempting to weed out private Medicare plans that don’t protect consumers or have low clinical standards.

If you think you are eli- Robert Malone, M.D., Medical Director of Radiology gible, or want more informaMethodist Sugar Land Hospition, please call our nurse navi- tal’s Conference Center to learn gator at 281.276.8549. Learn more about the risks, screening, more at houstonmethodist.org/ diagnosis and treatment of lung lung-screening, or visit our Fa- cancer. A short discussion led cebook page at fb.com/method- by a lung cancer expert will be istsugarland for the latest news, followed by an opportunity to events and information. speak one-on-one with members of the lung cancer team to determine if lung screening is FREE LUNG CANCER needed. Registration required.

AWARENESS EVENT Register online at houstonJoin us on Thursday, Novem- methodist.org/events or call ber 12 at 6 p.m. at Houston 281-274-7500.

fected.

Ten women will be selected for the trial subject to certain criteria being met. They must be aged 38 or under, have a longterm partner and be a healthy weight.

However surgeons currently only have funds for “one or maybe two cases” said Smith, adding that they were “desperate” for more funding to complete the £500,000 (677,000 euros, $759,000) trial.

In a six-hour operation participants will receive a womb from a donor who is classed as brain dead but whose heart is still beating.

- ‘Feel baby grow inside you’ In the transplant in Sweden,

Passive smoking causes behavioural problems in children: study ARIS, AFP - Children whose mothers smoke during pregnancy -- and even those born into smokers’ homes -- are nearly twice as likely to develop behavioural problems, researchers said Tuesday.

P

behaviour problems among primary school children aged on average around 10 years,” study head Isabella Annesi-Maesano, of France’s leading government health research body INSERM, told AFP.

A study of some 5,200 French primary school children linked exposure to smoking with a range of troubling behaviour such as aggression, disobedience, lying and cheating.

The culprit could be the toxic effect that nicotine has on developing brains -- especially during the first months of life, said the study published last month in American journal PlOS One.

“Exposure to tobacco during pregnancy and after birth practically doubles the risk of

Researchers said the higher risk was demonstrated by the fact that 18 percent of children

exposed to smoke before and after birth exhibited behaviour problems, compared with the 9.7 percent who came from non-smoking households.

The results were based on questionnaires filled out by parents which assessed their children’s behaviour and whether they had been exposed to tobacco before their first birthday.

Researchers also reported higher risks of emotional disorders -- like becoming easily afraid -- in children exposed to nicotine in the womb or in early life.

Average Medicare Advantage premiums to decline in 2016

by Sudhir Mathuria

cal Director of Radiology at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Through screenings, we can detect lung cancer when it is small – long before it becomes symptomatic or spreads outside the lungs.”

UK to attempt first womb transplants

by Ruth HOLMES ONDON, UK, (AFP) - Britain will attempt to carry out its first womb transplants after a clinical trial enabling 10 women to undergo the procedure was approved, doctors said Wednesday.

Surgeons hope to replicate the success of the world’s first-ever effective womb transplant, conducted on a 36-year-old woman in Sweden who gave birth last year.

More than 100 women have been approved as potential recipients ahead of the trial which is set to start in the first half of next year, after ethical approval was granted by the Imperial College London.

The procedure has previously

Tel: 713-774-5140

the replacement organ came from a live donor -- a 61-yearold family friend of the recipient who had been through menopause seven years earlier.

The baby boy was born by Caesarean section at 31 weeks last October to a woman whose genetic condition meant she was born without a womb.

Two other transplant attempts have been reported elsewhere, but neither resulted in a live birth.

The first, carried out in Saudi Arabia in 2000, ended in failure after three months when the uterus became necrotic and had to be removed.

The second, carried out in Turkey in 2011, entailed a uterus that was transplanted from a deceased donor, resulting in a pregnancy that miscarried within six weeks.

Sophie Lewis, 31, hopes to be among the first to undergo the transplant in Britain, The Times reported.

“To be told at 16 you can’t have children, and then to be given the opportunity to feel your baby grow inside you -it’s too much to say no to,” she told the newspaper.

Ahead of the trial, embryos will be created and frozen using each woman’s eggs and sperm from her partner.

The women must take immunosuppressant drugs to prevent their body from rejecting the womb, which will be removed either six months after the birth or after the woman has had a second child.

If successful, the baby would be delivered by Caesarean section to prevent the donor womb undergoing the strain of labour.

The federal agency said Monday that the average Medicare Advantage premium for 2016 will be $32.60 a month, a drop of 31 cents a month from this year. Almost 3 in 5 Advantage beneficiaries will not face a premium hike next year, the CMS said.

But perhaps more important, experts say, is that 95% of Medicare enrollees will live in an area that offers a private plan with no monthly premium.

Despite the Affordable Care Act mandating multiple years of payment rate cuts that were heavily opposed by the insurance industry, Advantage enrollment has grown every year since 2010, and affordable products have remained prevalent. The average Advantage plan received a 1.25% pay boost for next year.

“The $0 premium is a very important product,” said Tom Kornfield, vice president at consulting firm Avalere Health and a former CMS official. “It is critical for Medicare Advantage plans, and they’ve been able to maintain this despite changes in reimbursement cuts post-ACA.” Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15, and the federal government is finalizing the plan offerings for seniors who want to shop for the private plans. Nearly 17.7 million people are enrolled in an Advantage plan, as of this month. The remaining 34 million people are in traditional Medicare, which pays providers for each service instead of giving lump sums to private insurers.

About two-thirds of Advantage members are enrolled in plans that have four or more stars, according to the CMS. Star ratings judge a health plan’s quality of care provided to members, and companies with at least four stars get a bonus payment from the CMS. In addition, plans that have five stars—a select few—are able to enroll Medicare beneficiaries year-round instead of just during the annual enrollment period. Each plan’s star ratings for 2016 will be released Oct. 8.

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

Health plans that don’t meet those quality standards are getting pushed out of the market, and the CMS has beefed up its regulatory oversight of plans that hinder beneficiaries’ access to care. The agency has levied 19 penalties so far in 2015, totaling $4.7 million.

Aetna received a $1 million fine in April, the largest this year, due to bad information on in-network pharmacies.

A Montana-based plan has been hit with two fines totaling more than $550,000 for its noncompliance.

CMS has gotten more and more focused (on) making sure the right plans are there and beneficiaries are choosing from the best plans possible as per insider experts However, a recent Commonwealth Fund study found that there is scant competition in the Advantage market.

The pending merger between Aetna and Humana, two of the largest Advantage insurers in the country, could stifle competition even more, critics have argued.

Seniors, get ready to dig deeper into your wallets since Part D Drug cost is going up.

“Medicare beneficiaries should carefully review their prescription drug plan options in 2016. ... With many plans taking large premium increases in 2016, those beneficiaries that choose not to change plans will likely pay more in premiums than if they look for lower-cost options.”

More than 15 million people enrolled in the top 10 Medicare “Part D” prescription drug plans will face average premium hikes of 8 percent next year, according to a new analysis. Those top 10 plans account for more than 80 percent of enrollment in such drug plans, the Avalere Health consultancy found.

Five of the top prescription drug plans will see doubledigit premium hikes next year.

Call Today!

281-888-2705

Timeless Therapy from Nature Authentic Kerala Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapies Free of Side Effects to Alleviate: • Arthritis • Joint Pains • Stress • Back Pain • Obesity • Psoriasis • Slipped Disc • Insomnia • Eczema • Neck Pain • Depression • Migraine • Diabetes • Migraine • Sinusitis Primary Care Physician

Our current hours are Monday thru Friday 8am till 5pm.

For Health and Fitness, Beauty Therapy, Stress Buster Therapy etc

www.santhigramusa.com houston@santhigramusa.com

Save More with our Membership Packages

5901 Hillcroft Avenue, Ste E1-A, Houston, TX-77036 at Hillcroft Shopping Plaza.

SOUTH ASIA/WORLD

VOICE OF ASIA 19

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

India PM makes rock star appearance at Facebook part of a tour of Silicon Valley, ahead of the UN General Assembly where he will meet US President Barack Obama on Monday.

Late Sunday, he was later to star at an event attended by some 18,000 people in a convention center in the city of San Jose in Silicon Valley.

It is the first time since 1982 that a prime minister of India has visited the West Coast of the United States.

Modi also visited Google’s main campus in nearby Mountain View, where he and Google announced a collaboration to

provide wireless Internet at railway stations in India, with a goal of connecting 500 by the end of next year.

“Just like I did years ago, thousands of young Indians walk through Chennai Central every day, eager to learn, to explore and to seek opportunity,” India-born Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a blog post.

“It’s my hope that this WiFi project will make all these things a little easier.”

Nearly one billion people in India don’t have access to the Internet, according to Pichai.

India launches first space observatory Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg attend a townhall meeting, at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on September 27, 2015. Modi used the hour-long session to promote his Digital India drive and promote the country as a place worthy of tourists, investments, and entrepreneurs. Photo: Reuters.

by Glenn CHAPMAN

tion.”

M

“You will gain from joining it. You need real time information,” said the 65-year-old Modi, who has 30 million fans on Facebook and tweets multiple times a day.Modi used the hour-long session to promote his Digital India drive and promote the country as a place worthy of tourists, investments, and entrepreneurs with visions of disruptive technology startups.

ENLO PARK, | AFP | Sunday 9/27/2015 - Standing side-byside with Mark Zuckerberg, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a rock star appearance at Facebook on Sunday, advocating for the political power of social media.

An invitation-only audience jumped to its feet, cheering and snapping photos as Modi strode into a sun-splashed courtyard with Zuckerberg -- sporting a jacket and tie for the occasion, in a sartorial about-face for the typically casual campus.

“To leaders all over the world; you are not going to gain by running away from social media,” said the techsavvy premier during a town hall-style question and answer session.

“The strength of social media today is that it can tell governments where they are going wrong and give them an opportunity to do a course correc-

- Choked up with emotion But he also shared some candid moments with Zuckerberg, who told of finding inspiration to persevere with Facebook during a journey to India while Modi himself choked up while speaking of his mother.

Zuckerberg pointed out his parents in the audience before asking Modi about his own mother. Modi’s mother is more than 90 years old, and his father is no longer living.

The prime minister recount-

ed coming from a poor family, selling tea at a rail station as a boy.

“It is hard to imagine that a tea seller has actually become the leader of the world’s biggest democracy,” Modi said.

“When we were small, what we used to do to get by,” he continued, pausing at times to recompose himself.

“We used to go to neighbors houses, clean dishes, fill water, do hard chores. You can imagine what a mother had to do to raise her children.”

- In steps of Steve Jobs Zuckerberg, meanwhile, opened the chat by telling of a time, about a decade ago, when Facebook was going through a “rough patch” and there were thoughts of selling the startup.

He said he visited one of his mentors, late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who told him to travel to a certain temple in India.

“I went, and travelled for almost a month,” Zuckerberg recounted. “Seeing the people and how people connected, reinforced what we were doing and is something I’ve always remembered.”

Points touched on by Modi during the exchange included the hope of connecting all of India’s villages to the Internet with fiber optic cable, and the mighty challenge of attaining equality for women in India.

“If we want to achieve our economic goals, we cannot do that if we imprison 50 percent of our population inside their houses,” he said in answer to a question.

“We have to achieve one thing; to bring women into decision making,” said Modi, who playfully noted that while most religions portray deities as male, India has no shortage of goddesses.

- Google Internet on rails Modi’s stop at Facebook was

B

ANGALORE, India | AFP | 9/28/2015 India successfully launched Monday its first hightech telescopes into space to study the stars, as New Delhi seeks to take another major step in its ambitious and low-cost space programme.

A rocket carrying the 150-tonne mini space observatory called Astrosat, along with six foreign satellites, blasted off on schedule from India’s main southern spaceport of Sriharikota.

“About 20 minutes after a perfect lift off at 10:00 am from our spaceport, the rocket has placed Astrosat in the intended orbit,” mission director B. Jayakumar said at Sriharikota, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) from Chennai.

The launch comes one year after India became the first Asian country to launch a successful mission to Mars to study the Red Planet, beating giant rival China and sparking an outpouring of national pride.

The unmanned probe, still orbiting Mars, cost a fraction of the missions launched earlier by the United States, Russia and Europe.

India’s Astrosat, which includes a telescope that uses x-

ray, is expected to orbit 650 kilometres above the Earth and will send back data and study parts of the universe including black holes and the magnetic fields of stars.

Astrosat, which reportedly cost 1.8 billion rupees ($27 million) to build, has been compared by local media to the famous Hubble telescope launched by NASA in 1990. But Astrosat is much smaller and has a limited life span of five years.

The rocket also carries six foreign satellites, including the first from the United States.

The launch comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi winds up a visit to Silicon Valley in the US where he urged top technology companies to bring investment and jobs to India.

India’s successful and frugal Mars mission dominated newspaper front pages at the time and sparked huge pride in its homegrown space programme, while Modi hailed it as a sign of the country’s technological potential.

Critics of the programme say a country that struggles to feed its people adequately and where roughly half have no toilets should not be splurging on space travel.

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Friday, October 2, 2015

Business VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 20

Section 2

Page 20 Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

US gathers great Asian democracies to its side

by Nicolas and Dave Clark EW YORK -The United States took a moment Tuesday to gather the great Asian democracies to its side to reassure them of the strength of their ties in the face of North Korean threats and an assertive China.

N

New threats from Pyongyang, ominous economic signals and China’s aggressive stance on its territorial claims in the South China Sea and the Pacific have sent jitters through the region.

President Barack Obama’s administration has long talked about a “rebalancing” in America’s strategic focus, the so-called “pivot to Asia,” but has often been distracted by crises elsewhere.

Officials say 21st century America will be as much a Pacific power as an Atlantic one, but in recent months Syria, Ukraine, Iran and Cuba have used up a lot of diplomatic bandwidth.

So on Tuesday in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, senior officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea met to renew their ties and show a common front.

Later in the day, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj of India, the world’s largest democracy and a growing economic partner of the United States, was also to meet her US and Japanese counterparts.

-- a major free trade deal -- as a chance to deepen economic ties, and North Korea’s rogue regime as an immediate danger to the region.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida agreed, calling the security environment “very severe” and stressing the importance of the US-Japan and US-South Korea military alliances.

After the first annual USIndia-Japan trilateral meeting, the US camp said: “The three countries agreed to work together to maintain maritime security through greater collaboration.”

This will include Japanese forces joining Indian and US naval vessels on the Malabar 2015 training exercise next month.

South Korea’s foreign minister, Yun Byung-se, said the meeting came “at a very critical juncture, when the eyes of the world are set on the major challenges involving all of us.”

He said the talks would send a “very clear” message to North Korea in particular not to provoke the allies.

- Rocket test On October 10, North Korea will mark the 70th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party and there has been speculation for months that it will celebrate with a long-range rocket test.

“The primary purpose of this is to recognize that the region is going through certain challenges, but also faces major opportunities,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

Kim Jong-Un’s pariah regime is under international sanctions, and Seoul and Washington have made it clear that they would see such a test as part of a banned ballistic missile program.

Kerry cited negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership

And even if the test does not take place, tensions remain

high in the region, with Pyongyang periodically escalating its rhetoric and threatening all-out war against its neighbor.

US diplomats are loathe to describe their ties with the Asian democracies as a counter-balance to a rising China, but Beijing is the elephant

in the room when the friends met.

Most of the countries of the Asia-Pacific have deep eco-

Air India to connect San Francisco and Delhi with a non-stop flight

N

ational carrier Air India announced that it will connect Silicon Valley hub, San Francisco to capital Delhi with a non-stop B777-200LR flight from December 02, 2015.

This will be the first non-stop flight to operate on the sector.

San Francisco will become Air India’s fourth destination in the United States. Air India operates daily non-stop flights from New York (JFK), Newark (EWR) and Chicago (ORD) to India/ Passengers will have seam-

less travel through Delhi to all IT hubs, in India i.e Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Pune.

Likewise, on return flight passengers can have seamless travel from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Pune and Bhubaneswar to San Francisco.

departure from Delhi and 0800am arrival into SFO. The return flight will have a morning departure from San Francisco at 1000am and arrive in Delhi in the afternoon.

The flight will offer a 3-cabin configuration, with 8 seats in First Class, 35 seats in Business Class and 195 seats in Economy Class.

The flight to and from San Francisco will operate 3 days a week, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The DelhiSan Francisco flight will have a convenient early morning

Air India is a proud member of STAR Alliance, the largest global alliance whose premium passengers have access to over 1000 lounges globally.

nomic ties with China, but many also have disputes, in particular over its maritime territorial ambitions.

In recent months, Chinese construction crews have built air strips and docks on reclaimed islands in the South China Sea attempting to expand their control into disputed waters.

Last week, Obama welcomed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to the White House and both men promised closer cooperation, as the world’s great powers cautiously circle one another.

And even as the Chinese economy has stuttered, causing ripples through world markets, Xi has tightened his grip on power, purging corrupt officials and cracking down on dissidents.

Beijing remains a key partner in countering the North Korean threat, but its new assertiveness abroad risks throwing its delicately balanced US relationship out of kilter.

Theater ticket app TodayTix hits Silicon Valley stage AN FRANCISCO - A last-minute theater ticket smartphone application that has been a hit on Broadway and London’s West End is taking on the Silicon Valley crowd.

S

Young startup TodayTix on Wednesday boasted an array of partners, ranging from the American Conservatory Theater and Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco to the Improv Comedy Club in San Jose and the Marin Theater to the north.

Tickets to the San Francisco Opera were also available using the smartphone application.

“When we launched TodayTix two years ago, we did so with inspiration from the great mo-

bile tech companies of our generation: Uber, HotelTonight and Airbnb,” TodayTix co-founder Brian Fenty told AFP. “By being the first mobileonly theater app hitting squarely at the younger, tech-savvy demographic, we’re incredibly excited to launch TodayTix in the heart of the millennial revolution and enhance access to some of the world’s premiere performing arts.”

TodayTix got its start in New York City.

The app offers deals on theater tickets bought any time from seven days to an hour before performances. It came out of a test phase and went public in the

iconic London theater district early this year.

“Hopefully, by making it easier to see theater, and affordable, we are re-engaging an audience that hasn’t been to the theater in a while and also bringing new people to the theater,” TodayTix co-founder and chief executive Merritt Baer told AFP at the time.

Since being launched in 2013 by childhood friends-turnedadult business partners Baer and Fenty, TodayTix has met with rave reviews and now claims to sell about 3.5 percent of all Broadway theater tickets.

TodayTix boasts more than 425,000 users, with a typical

ticket buyer being about 32 years old, more than a decade younger than the average overall theater goer, according to Baer.

Baer, a theater producer who won a Tony Award in 2012 for a revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” starring the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, said he was inspired by the way online services such as Uber and Airbnb have shaken up the taxi and hotel industries.

“We thought why is something like this not happening in the theater world?,” Baer said.

Versions of the TodayTix application are available for smartphones powered by Apple or Android software.

For more News Visit us on www.VoiceofAsiaOnline.com RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING RETIREMENT PLANS INVESTMENT STRATEGIES GROUP BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS LIFE, DISABILITY AND LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE Serving the Houston Community since 1987

Paul Shah, RICP® Financial Services Representative Princor Registered Representative Financial Advisor 713-496-3174 shah.paul@principal.com www.principal.com/houston ©2015 Principal Financial Services, Inc. “The Principal,” “Principal Financial Group,” the Edge design, “We’ll Give You an Edge” and the illustrated character are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services,Inc. Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York) Principal Life Insurance Company and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/24-1737, member SIPC. Principal National and Principal Life, the Preferred Product Network, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. AD2953 | t508210mv

FEATURE

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Indian aristocrat’s grandchildren win long battle for riches

The Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur (R) poses with an unidentified man next to a custom built Rolls-Royce in this undated photo (AFP Photo/)

Maharani Gayatri Devi, the widow of the Maharaja of Jaipur, sits in the VIP stand during an international polo match in New Delhi in 2007, two years before her death (AFP Photo/Christophe Archambault)

N

EW DELHI, India - The grandchildren of a glamorous Indian aristocrat who personified a lost era of wealth and privilege before her death in 2009 have won a long legal battle to inherit her assets.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier judgement by a lower court in favour of the pair, saying they had been deprived of their rightful share in the Jai Mahal and Rambagh palaces and other companies.

Gayatri Devi was one of the most celebrated beauties of the last century, mixing traditional palace life in the royal city of Jaipur with private airplanes, cocktail parties and shopping trips to London.

“All these years my sister and I have only been asking for our father’s shares in the family company and nothing beyond that,” said Devraj Singh in a statement after the ruling.

Her death triggered an acrimonious showdown over a fortune that Indian media estimated at between $200 million and $400 million, including two spectacular Jaipur palaces that now operate as luxury hotels.

She was the third of the maharajah of Jaipur’s three concurrent wives and when he died on the polo field, the title passed to the son of his first wife.

Gayatri Devi’s only son, Jagat Singh, died in 1997 and her own death 12 years later triggered a showdown between her grandchildren, Devraj Singh and Lalitya Kumari, and other descendents of the former maharajah.

“Finally, I am one step further to be able to do my various duties towards my ancestral land.”

Different branches of the family still exert control over the Jaipur estate, which remained partially intact long after the system of “princely states” was dismantled following independence from Britain in 1947.

Gayatri Devi, the matriarch of the clan, was a celebrated member of the international jet-set who was once named as one of the most beautiful women on Earth by fashion magazine Vogue.

She was accorded a royal funeral in Jaipur following her death at the age of 90

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of October 2, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

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

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April Make sure to keep your positive flow going. Others may require your attention & understanding in a domestic situation. Be careful not to say something that you’ll be sorry for later. Keep expenses low as higher ups may question them. You may need to do a little public relations to satisfy them. Show our colors, as long as you have nothing to hide. Chance meeting will allow the resurgence of a new fresh relationship. Share some quality time & realize how special you feel for each other.

Understanding that you have reached a real milestone in art, music or literature.

You’ll be impressed with a new discovery & will want to tell the whole world. Be it in a personal relationship or a business dealing, you will reach a very positive goal. Focus your energy full force. You’ll seem to have a keener understanding of how things work.

Look behind the scene & you’ll see all of your options. Play your cards right & you may be celebrating true success.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Your keen understanding of how effective team work can be. You can enhance business, career & prestige in the community. Higher ups may request your time. Listen to other’s ideas on how to handle the situation & plan your strategy, accordingly. Sometimes you may feel as if you can conquer anything and maybe you can, but remember to thank those who have helped you on your way. They need to feel your respect & your love. They’ll feel it best if you show it through your actions, not just your words.

Personal relationships which will feel more positive than ever. Invest time with family members & you’ll be creating great memories for everybody. Express your ideas with passion & you’ll learn new ways to impress your style. Once you do, you’ll be able to feel more confident in who you are. New friends can lead you to new avenues of social exposure. Be yourself & you’ll be accepted & loved. Focus on a close relationship that could lead to love and marriage. Encourage others to enjoy themselves.

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Rediscovery of higher education & using reliable ideas to accomplish your goals.

Miscommunications or misunderstandings may occur, if you don’t choose your words carefully. What solution that had long gone by the wayside, may now become a viable one. Listen to others with expertise to overcome distance & language problems. Your ability to communicate on many levels will help others to understand your motivations. Be sensitive to those who are affected by your acts.

Feel the need for love and compassion. It is strong and you’ll feel romantic or sentimYour ability to advance your creative ideas and concepts to those in power. Don’t rush any decisions, play the waiting game. Recent events will make you aware of how precious life is. Exhibit benefits of new venture. Verify accounting procedures, make sure everything is on track. Stay focused on bringing your greatest asset to the forefront, your confidence. Once you feel confident in yourself, you will be able to influence others.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July The fact that if you play your cards right, you could really become the talk of the town. Don’t allow the exposure to be wasted, speak your mind & gain some important allies. There are so many things going on around you, that you may feel like running away from everything. Emotional & physical stress may make you feel a little down.

Don’t allow others to put you in the middle of their problems. When asked to give your opinion, express your feelings strongly & clearly.

A need to collect & study facts & faces, you may be tested to remember, later. You are due to receive a gift or a bonus. Perform your heart out, enjoy the limelight. Offers you receive may be exciting, but you will need time to digest all of the information you have received. Family members, co-workers will vie for your attention. Listen to them, but try not to get overwhelmed by the requests you receive. Help where you can, but don’t put any of your own plans on hold.

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

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Use your ability to overcome new personal challenges and a new sense of direction.

You may feel as if there are too many things to decide on. Take the time to read, write & express your thoughts on paper. By doing so, you may feel an awakening of ideas, you shared with someone, long ago. That person may remind you of something very important that you forgot. Stress that seemed so intense, lately, may lessen, as the week goes by. Take the time to enjoy all of those favorite things, that you really like to do.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September The restrictions free week for you. You may just find the answer to your personal & professional problems. Take your direction from the simple things in life. Your cycle will move up & you’ll be able to rediscover yourself & what you need to feel happy. You need to work hard to achieve your immediate goals. People admire you for your determination. Sometimes you need to reward yourself for a job well done. This may also be a good time to add to your art collection, as your keen sense of valuables might just find a real treasure.

QR

Need to organize your financial and personal situation. Look over your personal papers, make budgets and write everything down. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Your personal life will stabilize. Don’t be confrontational. You’ll meet opposition if you try to push your ideas too much. Be observant and save your comments for a better time. You need to focus on your career. You’ll accomplish the most if you travel for business.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March Need to get things completed prior to starting your next project. You’ve gotten behind and need to get a better grasp of things. You usually work hard but lately you’ve been very lax in matters of importance. Everyone is a specialist or is in need of one. Prove that you know more than your history suggests. Save time and money by drawing on the resources that you already possess. If this strategy has worked for you in the past, then it will probably work again. . Strike a happy medium with authorities who are being too rigid about your boundaries.

QUICK REFERENCE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Accountants

Movers Moving Service

NARESH SETLUR, CPA

A-1 DAN’S DISCOUNT MOVERS INC.

Accounting, Tax Returns, Cost Accounting, Peachtree, Sales Tax, Franchise Tax.

Apt., Home, Office 23 Years in Business

Certified, Quickbooks Proadvisor

Visit our website www.karanika.net

Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Franchise Accounting

(832) 620.4757 - Email: setlurn@gmail.com

281-242-1928 & 832-605-3031

BOOK-KEEPING INCOME TAX

Restaurants

Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations

S. Ram and Associates

Tel: 832-877-9625 Free Consultation asu2020.com

M.D. Associates LLP A full service CPA firm

India’s Restaurant & Catering for special parties and corporate events. Preferred Wine list, Authentic vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes, finest Indian cuisine with chef’s special dishes

Restaurants

Ph: 713-266-0131/ 0805

3 Locations to serve you

We cater from 10 people to 800 people for all occasions.

We deliver to your venue.

Houston 713-774-6533 Spring 281-251-2205 Dallas 214-722-7545

visit us at : www.mdassociatescpas.com

Madhuram Mirch Masala

You need this Space For more information

Call us today

713-774-5140

10758 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070 281.955.9878 216.338.3940 (cell)

Shiva Indian Restaurant & Catering specializing in North Indian cuisine, Office and Corporate catering.

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

Tutorial Adults Learn English or Spanish

by Internet, Telephone or in Person Learn American English accent & to talk Texan Immigration. Business English. Call David Browning, Private Tutor 832-788-3383 • www.GlobalSpanishTutor.com

VOICE OF ASIA SERVICES

Newsweekly 10,000 copies weekly. 520,000 copies annually.

Reach over 2 million readers. Get your business promoted. Call us for print advertising at the number below. www.voiceofasiaonline.com/e-paper

Medical Magazine 30,000 copies quarterly. 120,000 copies annually.

Reach 500,000 readers. Get your business promoted. www.healthlinemag.com/magazine

E-blast

Send out Specials, Sales and Promote your Events.

Reach 8,000 to 11,300 people. We are here to help get your business branded. Call 713-774-5140.

Web / Digital Advertising Reach out locally and worldwide. Web banners, Video advertisements, classifieds online, product advertorials, news press releases, social media promotions to engage visibility for your business.

Classifieds

Place classifieds of any nature. Employment, Job Wanted, Car for Sale, Garage Sale, Business for Sale. We also offer them online. Call us for details.

Video Interviews

Engage audiences and gain viewership by displaying and talking about your product or service. Your video will be 3 to 5 minutes displayed on our website and on our YouTube channel. Call us for details.

Call us at: 713-774-5140

Amazing Opportunity!

If you invest a little over $2 a day (Less than the price of a cup of coffee) in VOICE OF ASIA, you can reach over 2 million potential customers!

VOICE OF ASIA NEWS GROUP

www.voiceofasiaonline.com • www.healthlinemag.com

To advertise, call: Phone: 713-774-5140 ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

VOICE OF ASIA 23

CLASSIFIEDS MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY FROM HBR.ORG To Get More Done, Let Your Mind Wander Thanks to our smartphones, tablets, and laptops, it’s easy to be working all the time. But our devices can actually make us less productive by interfering with an important mental process: daydreaming. To be effective, our brains need opportunities to be “off,” which is hard when we’re constantly taking in new information through our devices. And research has found that letting our minds wander facilitates creativity and long-term thinking.

If we’re facing a challenge that needs new ideas, we’re more likely to find some if our minds drift away from the problem for a while.

So the next time your mind starts to wander, let it. Don’t check your favorite website or your email. Instead, walk to a window and think about the people and cars going by, close your eyes and notice the sounds around you, or go for a short walk. And remember: leave your device behind.

Adapted from “Zoning Out Can Make You More Productive,” by Josh Davis

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015

RESTAURANT FOR SALE RESTAURANT FOR SALE

CALL 713-504-4669 OPEN AND RUNNING SINCE 1995.

Business for Sale Partime business for sale Very lucrative business since 1987 Can convert to full time Can work from home Email: shahb1953@gmail.com Call: 281-236-0258

Homes For Lease • BRAND NEW HOME IN KATY:

When you find some time, READ!

5 Bed, 3.5 Bath 2 Car Attached Garage in Ventana Lakes. Available for immediate occupancy.

• COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME IN ALIEF: 4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car Attached Garage. Walking distance to Liestman Elementary School. New Tiles, Granite counter tops, Stainless steel fridge, washer/dryer.

Contact: Ron Aga - Realtor Cell: 832-423-6973

2 Weeks $80/-*

READ DAILY! 15 - 30 minutes of reading daily helps your brain focus better. Grab a novel!

A Community message from Voice of Asia Group

Also post online weekly $10/www.voiceofasiaonline.com

New Feature

for Real Estate Agents Post your listing!

Open House / Home for Sale!

Open House is Optional!

Sell your Listing

FASTER!!!

1234 Main st, Houston, TX 77074 MLS #: 1234567890 | Year Built: 2006 3 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Car / 1757 sq.ft Agent Name: John xxxxxxxx Phone: 123-456-7890 Open House: xx/xx/2013 4 - 6 pm

Your Photo here Company Logo Here (Optional)

*Need 2 week committment minimum to get this rate. Reg $50/week.

To get started, call: 713-774-5140 10,000 copies, 150 locations, weekly! Post it online, add $10 / wk.

The value of money is taught early!

Earn Smart! Spend Wisely!

A community message from Voice of Asia Group

VOICE OF ASIA

Subscription Renewal Form

Fax this form to: 713-774-5143 Scan and E-mail us: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City: ______________ State:___________ Zip:___________ Ph: ______________ E-mail:_________________________ Credit Card No: ____________________________________ Name on the Card: _________________________________

sphilip@llppc-law.com

CVV #: __________ Exp Date:___________ Amount: $______ Signature: __________________________ One Year $30 Two Years $55 Five Years $100 We will mail 52 issues to your home or office!

8303 SW Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77074

Best Value!!!

VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, October 2, 2015