Voice of Asia E Paper November 06 2015 by VoiceOf Asia

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FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Beware of the 2016 Obamacare individual mandate penalty

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Vol. 28 No. 45 Friday, November 6, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

2015 Transplant Symposium Houston Election 2015 at Memorial Hermann Texas Bathroom fears flush Houston Medical Center a huge success discrimination ordinance by Jacob David HOUSTON - The 3rd Annual Transplant Symposium 2015 was held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Hermann Conference Center. The purpose of the Symposium was

psycho-social assessment and evaluation, management of co-morbidities and postsurgical interventions to help reduce potential complications during and after the transplant procedure.

about the Insurance details and coverage, “Transplant Insurance Information: What you need to Know.” Dr. Wasim Dar spoke on the Technical Overview of Kidney / Pancreas Transplantation. Post Transplant Strategies were

Turner, King headed for runoff for Houston mayor

elivering a hit to the Texas gay rights movement, Houston voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected an ordinance that would have established protections from discrimination for gay and transgender residents and several other classes. With 95 percent of votes counted, 61 percent of voters opposed the measure. The embattled ordinance, better known as HERO, would have made it illegal Sylvester Turner to discriminate against someone based on 15 different “protected characteristics,” including sex, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Attendees at the Memorial Hermann Transplant Center’s 3rd Annual Kidney / Pancreas Transplant Symposium, held at the Hermann Conference Center. (Photo: Jacob David) to educate Registered Nurses, ABTC Certified Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Dieticians, Social Workers, and Dialysis Technicians in the area of Kidney and Pancreas transplants, aimed at improving patient management and care. This education covered pretransplant living donor and recipient selection criteria, transplant referral process,

Speakers at the Transplant symposium were Leslie Simmons, BSN, RN who spoke on Navigating the process of Transplanting kidney and pancreas. Dr. Rodrigo Hasbun covered Solid Organ Transplantation in HIV patients. James Orellana, LMSW, spoke on Iran and ESRD: Transplant first and Dialysis Second. Shannon Biere talked

Supporters hoped the ordinance would align Houston with other major cities with similar measures in place. But opponents successfully attacked the measure with arguments about bathrooms.

covered by Sylvia Connor, Jill Pehnke, Amy Wood, Van Nguyen, who are RNs and Nia Gasery and Melina Quinones who are Medical Assistants.

Dubbing it “the bathroom ordinance,” they argued the ordinance’s gender identity protection would allow sexual predators to enter women’s bathrooms.

Lunch was followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Penelope Loughhead, LCSW, CCTSW, on Transplant looked

In a joint statement, the coalition of

Under the Umbrella Agreement — made possible by NASA’s Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate — HAS

and NASA will collaborate, providing access to a number of the unique capabilities at the Johnson Space Center (JSC), including things like safetyspecific training, facilities, and technology capabilities, to support suborbital operations and commercial spaceflight endeavors. “The Johnson Space Center represents an invaluable asset for the entire City of Houston and especially for those of us who are working to establish

For at least a decade, Fort Worth, Dallas and Austin have counted among cities with ordinances offering LGBT residents some degree of protection a g a i n s t Bill King discrimination in employment, housing and other public areas such as buses and restaurants. San Antonio and Plano joined that list in 2014. In the mayoral race, after months of campaigning, the race for Houston mayor will come down to a runoff between Sylvester Turner and Bill King. Turner had 32 percent of the vote to King’s 25 percent with 93 percent of the precincts counted. It’s been six years since Houston has had a new mayor. Mayor Annise Parker has served the maximum number of terms permitted by city code so she cannot run for re-election.

Continued on page 7

HAS, NASA enter into agreement to support Houston Spaceport he Houston Airport System (HAS) and NASA have entered into an agreement today that will allow the new commercial spaceport developing at Ellington Airport (EFD) to tap into the federal space agency’s assets and expertise, expanding the possibilities for the growing commercial spaceflight industry.

organizations that campaigned in support of the ordinance as part of the Houston Unites campaign, including Equality Texas, the ACLU of Texas and the Human Rights Campaign, said the fight for nondiscrimination measures was not over.

Houston Spaceport as a force within the aerospace industry,” says Houston Airport System Director Mario C. Diaz. “One of the primary reasons why the City of Houston made such perfect sense as the site for the nation’s 10th commercial spaceport is the existence of strong intellectual capital at JSC and the willingness of their leadership team to form substantive partnerships.” The Houston Spaceport at EFD became the 10th com-

mercial spaceport in the United States when it received a license from the Federal Aviation Administration in June 2015 to support operations of horizontally launched Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). The agreement with NASA offers access to the JSC’s unique capabilities in several areas, including risk analysis, engineering analysis, mission operations, training, spacecraft systems testing and mission execution. The ultimate goal is to make

the Houston Spaceport a focal point for aerospace innovation - a regional center for a cluster of aerospace entities that would act as an incubator for aerospace innovation and growth. As part of this effort, HAS is developing a design center that will facilitate collaboration between NASA, the FAA, and the aerospace industry. System Safety Fundamentals training stresses the analytical process of system safety management and hazard analysis of hardware, software, and operations. Additional concepts and principles are introduced on risk assessment, risk management, and hazardous operations. The NASA Safety Training Center

(NSTC) at the Johnson Space Center provides unique safety training that enables students to meet uniform engineering/ technical requirements for processes, procedures, practices and methods that have been endorsed as a standard for NASA programs and projects. Unlike system safety training available in the commercial marketplace, NASA’s course provides examples and discussion specifically related to aerospace. A system safety course with a focus on aerospace is directly applicable to the types of operations envisioned to be conducted at the Houston Continued on page 7

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Threatened by intolerance

oody’s Analytics, N.R. Narayana Murthy, the wellrespected founder of Infosys, and now Raghuram Rajan, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, have all added heft to the chorus of voices warning that growing intolerance and bellicose behaviour threaten economic development, the promise of which had won Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party an overwhelming electoral mandate last year. In an unequivocal message, Moody’s Analytics noted that controversial comments by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, including belligerent provocation of various minorities, had fanned ethnic tensions. Mr. Modi needs to not just distance himself from their nationalist jibes, but firmly rein them in, or his government risks losing credibility among global investors, the economic risk analysis sister unit of Moody’s Investors Service observed. Mr. Murthy, a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade and Industry during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s term,

speaking in a televised discussion on NDTV, said there was considerable fear among the minorities today. He cautioned that no country could make economic progress unless it removed strife and reassured its minorities. And Dr. Rajan, who has earned a reputation for being as measured as he is outspoken, stressed to students graduating from Delhi’s Indian Institute of Technology that tolerance and respect of alternative viewpoints were imperative for an economy to advance. Stressing that India’s tradition of debate in an environment of respect and tolerance was worth fighting to protect, Dr. Rajan said it would be a great patriotic act to do so. This was a not-so-veiled retort to the ultra-nationalists who are quick to question the patriotism of all citizens holding a point of view different to theirs. Just 18 months ago, Mr. Modi termed his party’s electoral victory a mandate for development. That he has since allowed or, more benignly, failed to restrain the extreme and di-

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Why in the world would anyone want to go back to India after living in the US? by Balaji Viswanathan

et me share my perspective as a “Rebound R2Ier” [Returning to India]. I came to the US after college and five years later returned to India. For the first two years, my R2I plan was looking disastrous as my startup went bad. But in the last eight months, my business picked up with sizeable profits. Just when I thought my India plan was working well, I made a bad decision to return to the US to scale the business and get an MBA alongside. Business in the US didn’t go well and I returned to the corporate world and to start a family. As my messy history shows, the decision is not easy, and there is a constant dilemma as both sides offer exciting options. Here are some reasons to favour India: Living at home: Home here means a lot of things—our culture, our nation, our family and so on. Although I love the US, it is not my home; just as the priciest of hotel suites cannot match the warmth of our modest home. Opportunities: Many find good opportunities in the US—especially close to the bottom end of the ladder. For the same skill set, some might be able to find opportunities

a couple of steps above on returning. Higher positions in a faster-growing economy can neutralise other negatives. A couple of my acquaintances returned to India as top

The best of facilities, with very little social support. My attitude towards family, marriage and other things changed in those few days.

executives, moving above from middle management in the US.

many have large families in the US, many others have most of their family in India. By being in the US, they lose the connections as they miss weddings, baby showers, betrothals, sacred thread ceremonies, one-year birthdays and so on… Money needs meaning. What good is wealth, when one misses family links?

Loneliness: My uncle spent most of his career abroad. He had a well-settled life in Missouri with a large home, happy family, great career and friendships. When I sat with him in his last stages of battling cancer, I found how lonely life is even for such a nice person with a large network. His wife and two young children went through that critical stage mostly alone. Those few days of walking in the corridors of that cancer hospital was a brutal experience as I found men and women sobbing alone as their dear ones were dying inside.

Staying in touch: Although

Climate: Many parts of the US have extremes of weather. In Boston, it can be nearly six months of snow every year and the cold can be depressing. India gets hot in summer, but I find the lack of light more depressing than brutal heat [especially where I have an

A/C]. Some people can even get clinical depression in winter, called seasonal affective disorder. Raising kids: India arguably offers some benefits for people with kids. Family is closer and child support easier, without troubling your parents and inlaws to spend months in the US. Bullying is far less serious and you don’t have to worry about shooting at schools [although it is very rare]. I also find some schools paranoid [like the recent case of Ahmed Mohamed]. In India, college is far cheaper and that means you don’t need to top up your 529 plans. Festivals and events: On a Diwali day, you look out of your Boston home and there is nothing. On Aug. 15, nothing. On Pongal day, nothing. In places like Mumbai, the whole of the city would be celebrating for every random event. What is life without that fun. Of course, these all depend on your personal factors. For some, Indian festivals might not be so joyful. For some, their family might not be so warm. For some, Indian culture might not be worth preserving. But, for a sizeable minority, these points apply and they are the ones returning. (Quora)

Dangerous perceptions

here is a dangerous game of perceptions being played between India and Nepal, and the death of a young Indian in the Nepali police crackdown on Madhesi protestors must come as a wake-up call to both New Delhi and Kathmandu on the urgent need to end this standoff. For starters, while the Nepali government has every right to deal with internal unrest as it sees fit, it should be aware of the trans-national consequences of its action in Birgunj, given the open border that India and Nepal have enjoyed for decades. The new government of K.P. Oli has shown some desire to reach out to the protestors in the Terai, but its efforts, both on talks and on discussing constitutional amendments, are far slower than what

is necessary to calm the situation. At the same time, it is doing nothing to quell the perception that India is responsible for all of Nepal’s problems. Despite talks with the Indian government in New York and New Delhi, Mr. Oli’s government continues to rake up at international forums, including the United Nations, what it calls “India’s blockade”. The latest statement by the Home Ministry in Kathmandu, alleging that India practically caused Monday’s crackdown on the protestors by pressuring the government to clear the passage for Indian trucks stranded on the Nepali side, is aimed at fuelling the narrative that has led to raging anti-India sentiments in the Kathmandu valley. This is hardly the first

time such sentiments against India have been whipped up, and the only lesson that has been learnt is that the longer the strain in ties persists, the more a land-locked nation like Nepal suffers. While it is hoped the Chinese offer of oil will ease the immediate crisis for Nepal, it is hardly a long-term and cost-effective solution for the country, and the government would be wise to not try to play regional rivalries in the present scenario. For its part, New Delhi has to realise that its tough Nepal policy has no takers and requires a drastic change, not just in deed but in word as well, as the perception that it is ‘squeezing’ Nepal persists. Despite the government’s denials, few are willing to believe that it is helpless in

ensuring smooth supplies to Kathmandu. The stand seems particularly hollow when one considers how swiftly the Indian armed forces mobilised in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake this April to reach Nepal’s most remote areas and provide relief. At the same time, the government must consider whether its persistent messaging on supporting Madhesi rights in the Nepal Constitution is inciting Indian citizens, like the ones who got caught in the Birgunj crackdown, to assist or join the protests in any way. As the crisis across the border escalates, the government must see that it too will be singed by the fires within Nepal, and both sides must work together quickly to quell them. (Editorial: The Hindu)

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visive voices both within the government and outside among the BJP and its ideological allies in the larger Sangh Parivar, is a matter of grave concern.

(The Hindu Editorial Board)

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Open Mic Night at India House!

OUSTON - Even as the rain pounded Houston with Hurricane Patricia pushing through the Gulf of Mexico, the IITAGH /C@deFest// 1.1 event thundered along with students at Travis High School.

India House and GlobalDesi, a Houston based musical group, organized ‘Open Mic Night’ on Friday, October 23rd at O.P. Guests enjoyed entertaining the crowd. India House and GlobalDesi’s were overwhelmed with the wonderful response from the participating guests who clapped and enjoyed singing duets, mushy romantic songs and foot-tapping numbers including some romantic melodies like Tujh Mein Rab Basta Hey, Mai Tenu Samjhanwan Ki…

Col. Vipin Kumar with Sankalp.

The event started with a melodious performance by GlobalDesi group members Ravi Boddu, Padma Iyengar, Sankalp Srivastava, Shrikant Sane and Anjana Pandey.

Their performance included Bollywood hits like Suno Na Sangemarmar, Moh Moh Dhage, Ranjish Hi Sahi. This was followed by an entertaining Bollywood quiz Bol Wahi, Dhun Alag, hosted by quiz masters Muknd and Sankalp, keeping the audience guessing the musical scores. The stage was then opened to the audience. The house full audience took this exciting karaoke opportunity to sing their favorite numbers. Everyone from children to seniors participated. Many songs received repeated requests.

The evening ended with the entire audience joining GlobalDesi in the finale performance of Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe Kitna Bhi Humko Diwana! The evening’s light refreshments were jointly sponsored by Deep Foods and Madras Pavilion. India House aims to take this musical and karaoke event to the next level by bringing in more fun and exciting details and programs. For event details and sponsorships please contact Vipin@indiahouseinc.org or call 713-929-1900 For more information visit us at www.indiahouseinc.org

5th Annual Winter Wonderland set for Dec. 12

UGAR LAND Winter is just around the corner, and the Imperial Park Recreation Center invites parents to bring their little one to the 5th annual Winter Wonderland on Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, next to Imperial Park and the T.E. Harman Center. Winter Wonderland offers an opportunity to get some last

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IITAGH hosts another successful Codefest event

OUSTON - Ek Shyam suroon ke naam! What better way to spend Friday evening with family and friends over some nostalgic, romantic, emotional and tadkta bhadkta songs! A perfect combination of musical karaoke evening! This first of its kind event opened doors to many more musical evenings to be hosted at India House.

Jindal Center, India House. The event was a big success! The musical evening aimed at inviting and encouraging singing talent from across Houston to perform on a bigger stage. Evening’s emcee Col. Vipin – General Manager, India House successfully conducted the event keeping the audience engaged with his interesting jokes and humor!

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

minute holiday shopping done, take some time alone or have lunch with friends. Children will have a day packed with hours of fun activities including entertainment, crafts and lots of real snow. Santa will even stop by to make sure all the kids stay on the nice list. Winter Wonderland is open to children ages 5 to 12, and registration is now open. Imperial Park Recreation Center members can sign up

their children for $5 each and non-members can sign up for $20 per child. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so call today. Snacks and lunch will be provided, and each child will receive a free event t-shirt. The general public is invited to stop by Winter Wonderland from 2-4 pm to play in the snow, warm up with hot chocolate and watch an authentic Hawaiian Christmas show performance from 2-3 p.m.

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The IITAGH /C@deFest// 1.1 event hosted on Saturday October 24th was specifically geared towards helping middle and high school students learn how to code a website in a day. The goal was for them to appreciate this foundational skill and potentially look for careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields. The event was hosted by the IIT Alumni of Greater Houston (IITAGH), the Travis High School Computer Science Program, the Fort Bend ISD Global Studies Academy (GSA) and the International Business and Marketing Academy (IBMA). The students settled down at the tables in main area as they got ready. Anne Beckman, Academy Coordinator at Fort Bend ISD, welcomed all the students and then turned it over to Anand Chauhan, the instructor for the day. Anand walked the students through basic fundamentals about computers, the differences between the internet and the web, how to use HTML tags and JavaScript code to create webpages, and how to integrate multiple webpages into websites. Anand finally walked the students through how to upload their website to the internet. A number of volunteers from the Travis High School Computer Science Club helped the students as they developed their own custom webpages. Michael Thom, who teaches Computer Science

classes at Travis High School commented, “This was a great event that introduced coding to students at Travis High School. We look forward to having more of these kinds of events.” “The event started with a small class at Clements High School and was then presented to a large group at both Clements and Travis High Schools. We are now looking to have the event at the Houston Community College next, as we continue to build on the success of this program,” commented Pratish Kanani, President of the IIT Alumni of Greater Houston. The

students

commented

on being able to log into the website and review additional learning topics and further their skills. “The course was easy to follow and well documented. We enjoyed being able to upload our websites and directly see the changes we were making.” “We continue to be successful in offering this program to GSA and IBMA students. The course offering continues to improve and the students had a great time seeing their websites online at the end of the event,” said Anne Beckman. IITAGH is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We help our members connect, develop, and give back to the local community.

For more information, contact the Imperial Park Recreation Center at (281) 2752885 or visit us on the web at www. sugarlandtx. gov. (Representative photo)

K. V. Doraiswamy Bhattar 281-489-0464 or 281-948-8368 kvdoraiswamybhattar@yahoo.com | kvdoraiswamy60@gmail.com

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FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

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

You cannot “force” people to pay money they owe Q. I loaned a friend $3,000 to get his car fixed. He promised to pay me back, $300 a month. He made the first two payments and then stopped. I have spoken with him several times and he says he is having financial problems and will pay as soon as I can. What can I do to force him to start paying? A. First, as a practical matter “forcing” someone to pay can be very difficult. Until you win a lawsuit, the best you can do is continue to speak with your friend and try to get him to at least make partial payments. There is no legal device that allows you to collect money you are owed other than a lawsuit. Even after you sue and win, however, it can be difficult to collect. A court cannot order someone to pay.

Mr. and Mrs. Swaupa & Prasad Thotakura celebrated the marriage of their son in Dallas at Southfork Ranch in September. Best wishes to the happy couple, Deepthi and Sudhir Thotakura. (Wedding Reception photo by Eric Anugraham)

Sharlene Sharmila Richards Attorney at Law

If you cannot work anything out, your next step should be justice court. In justice court (the new name for small claims court) you can sue for $10,000 or less. In your case, you would have to prove he agreed to repay you and the terms agreed to. It does not sound like he is disputing the existence of the debt so this should not be difficult. If the court rules for you, it will award a judgment in your favor for $3,400, as well as court costs. The judgment will accrue interest until he pays. You then file an “abstract of judgment,” which makes it public record and allows you to begin collection efforts. Unfortunately, there still is no mechanism to “force” him to pay. You collect a judgment by having the sheriff or constable “execute,” (take and sell) the person’s non-exempt assets. In Texas, much of what an individual owns is exempt, and may not be taken to satisfy a judgment. For example, a home, $50,00 of most personal property/$100,000 for a family, wages, social security, retirement plans and life insurance, are all exempt and not subject to a debt. On the other hand, stocks and bonds, savings accounts and checking accounts are subject to a debt and may be seized. The bottom line is that collecting money you are owed from the average person can be very difficult. Although a judgment will be on a person’s credit report and earn interest, enforcing it can be difficult. You should be careful to whom you loan money, and take all possible steps to work out a payment plan before heading to court. Q. I have a debt collector calling me at work. I have told him that my employer prohibits such calls and I could lose my job. His answer was, “then you better pay me because I am not going to stop calling you.” How can I stop these calls? A. Under a federal law, called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it is unlawful for a debt collector to call you at work once he knows your employer prohibits such calls. If the debt collector continues to call, you would have a claim for damages and $1,000 penalty. I suggest you let the debt collector know you know about the law and if he doesn’t stop you will immediately contact the federal trade Commission and a private attorney. My guess is that will end the calls.

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Q. I remember reading about an organization that helps consumers resolve problems. What was the name of this organization and how can I contact them? A. The organization you are referring to is the Texas Consumer Complaint Center. The Center is located at the University of Houston Law Center, and helps consumers with any type of consumer problem. Whether it is a problem with a landlord, car dealer, plumber, debt collector or laundry, the Center can help. Staffed by lawyers and law students, the Consumer Complaint Center is available 24-7 to help you solve your consumer problem. You may contact the Center at 877-839-8422 or www.TexasCCC.com. Q. I know someone who never got divorced and now lives with his common law wife. How can someone have a common law marriage if they are already married? A. You cannot be married to two people! A common law marriage is no different from any other form of marriage. Until you get a divorce, you cannot have another marriage, common law or otherwise. Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Check out my website, www.peopleslawyer.net

Grand reception to Hindu US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard in Dallas

on. US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard attended as a Chief Guest of Honor at a family and friends get together hosted by Dr. Prasad Thotakura in Dallas. Congresswoman Tulsi appreciated the kindness of Dr. Prasad Thotakura in inviting her for the first time to Dallas when she was running for US Congress four years ago, introducing her to the local NRI community and supporting her in a big way that led to her victory. Mrs. Gabbard specially thanked Dr. Thotakura for his efforts and the leadership in building the largest Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in the USA in Irving, TX. Tulsi requested all Indian Americans to participate enthusiastically in the mainstream election process since it is everyone’s civic responsibility to choose right leaders to lead the country. Dr. Thotakura introducing, Tulsi Gabbard, the first and only Hindu Congressmember in US, mentioned that people admire her because of her simplicity, clarity of thoughts, openness and accessibility. She created history twice - once getting elected to Hawaii State legislature at the tender age of 21 by becoming the youngest

legislature in the county and the second time getting elected as the first Hindu Congressmember in the US House of Representatives. Tulsi also served as a Captain with fellow soldiers in Iraq war on two deployments in the Middle East. Tulsi was sworn in to the US Congress, taking her oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a historical event. Tulsi currently serves on the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and she is the Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Tulsi is a strict vegetarian, doesn’t drink alcohol, and practices Hinduism with prayers, kirtan and mala. She has met with Prime Minister Modi thrice. Dr. Thotakura urged Congresswoman Gabbard’s help and support in releasing Bhaga-

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vad Gita by US President Obama, a multimedia presentation with all 700 slokhas narrated in English and recited by the famous singer Mr. Gangadhar Sastry, India to which she responded positively. Along with Dr. Prasad Thotakura family members Mrs. Swarupa, Mr. Sai Sathish, Dr. Prasanthi, Mrs. Kalavathi, Mr. Rao Kalvala, Mr. Murali Vennam, Mr. Chalapathi Kondrakunta, Dr. C.R. Rao, Mrs. Kalpana & Mr. Ramesh Bhatia, Mr. Arun Agarwal, Dr. Tarakumar Reddy, Mr. Ramasurya Reddy, Mr. Venkat Potturu, Mrs. Grace & Mr. Suresh Vuluvala, Dr. Ritu & Mr. Pankaj Khanduri , Mr. Balu, Mr. Srinivas Suddala, Mr. Venkat, Mrs. Uma Yalamanchi, Dr. Sat Gupta and Mr. Sunil felicitated Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for her dedicated service to the nation.

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 5

The Grand Deepavali Bazaar 2015 4 festivities at Sri Meenakshi Temple by Chitoor Ramachandran

ri Meenakshi Temple looked extraordinarily vibrant starting from the daybreak on Saturday, October 18 with the morning Suprabhadam to welcome Sri Venkateswara and Sri Lakshmi to the beautiful dawn. The festive look of the temple with colorful lights, huge tents and filled parking lots were all indicative of a grand celebration. Deepavali (Diwali) literally means Festival of Lights with an ancient message to erase darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge.Sri Meenakshi Temple Society’s (MTS) annual Diwali bazaar is a much looked forward to celebration every year and the 2015 festivities was no exception. Dedicated volunteers working hard for this past one week made Sunday, November 1st yet another memorable blissful Diwali Bazaar at MTS. With the beautiful decorations, early morning chanting of slokas welcoming the deities, the day was destined to be memorable. Even though the weather decided to bless us with continues drizzle/rain through the day, this did not dampen the mood of the crowd that were ready to enjoy the day at the Diwali bazaar. A key feature of the Diwali bazaar is the annual Health Fair. A feature of the festivities is the Health fair and this year with dignitaries (Erin Asprec, CEO Memorial Hermann Southeast hospital, Hon. Mayor Tom Reid and Joanne Barrett, Chief Nursing officer, Kindred Hospital) inaugurated the 19th annual free community Health fair. Kindred Hospital and their staff provided all the blood tests. Dr. Nirmala Kethineni of Cypress Spring Family clinic provided Flu shots (either free or heavily subsidized price). Free tests included: EKG, Complete Blood count, Comprehensive metabolic profile, Lipid profile, and TSH, vision and dental

screening, urologic screening, women wellness check, and General medical checkup. Dr. Ramesh Patel gave lectures on vegetarian diet, stress management and cardiac risk screening. Temple chairman and coordinator of the Health Fair Dr. P. Vaduganathan thanked the Health professionals and volunteers. The 19th Annual

Health Fair was a huge success in spite of the rain. More people lined up for registration at 8.30 am. The health fair was inaugurated by Honorable Mayor Tom Reid and Mr. Kyle Price, the CEO of Memorial Herman Southeast hospital. Several local physicians from various specialties, nurses and technicians from Kindred Hospital

Many area merchants had their display of beautiful items for sale. The bazaar stalls transported all visitors to mini India with - ornaments, jewels, clothes, sarees, gift items, paintings, handicrafts, imported art work, ayurvedic medicine, just to name a few. Information booths on the upcoming Kumbhabhishekam (consecration of the renovated main Temple) were set up to promote valuable services and innovative educational materialswas provided. This year’s theme of Devas and Asuras formed the backdrop to the Kids Fancy dress e variety of entertainment demonstrated the wealth of culture in the Indian community living in Greater Houston area. While the children entertained the crowd with their impressive talents, the outstanding classical dance performance by Krithika Subrahmanian and group entertained the audience packed in the Kalyanamandapam. This was followed by the Dance competition with the MTS perpetual trophy changing hands.

The resplendent Sri Maha Lakshmi (Padmavathy Thayar) for Lakshmin Pooja

Dr. Dronamraju delivers opening address in Shanghai

and Southeast memorial hospital volunteered. EKG, Blood tests such as CBC, complete metabolic profile, Lipid profile, TSH, General medical advice, Visin screening all were provided free. Since there was a continuous flow of registrants, testing continued until 1.30pm. Chairman Dr. Vaduganathan, thanked all those who volunteered on behalf of MTS. A continuous stream of Devotees were throngedstreaming all day with families to offering p prayers, ; by noon, the temple premises had turned into a little India. The partake in choices of delicious food items provided by the vendors, art competitionsworkshop, facial paintings and the carnival games and a shiny Red Fire truck kept the children excitingly engaged.

The Health Fair at the Diwali Bazaar ribbon-cutting by Mayor Tom Reid and Mr Kyle Price CEO Memorial Herman Southeast hospital with Dr and Mrs Vadyganathan (Photos: Nandhu Radhakrishnan)

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

By sunset, and with the early onset of dusk (daylight savings

Dr. Dronamraju delivering the opening address. (Photo courtesy of Michele Wambaugh)

r. Krishna Dronamraju, President of the Foundation for Genetic Research in Houston, delivered the opening address at the Third Conference on Biomarkers and Clinical Applications in Shanghai, China. The conference was organized by the Shanghai Biotechnological Institute from 16th to 18th October. In a review of wide ranging list of Biomarkers and their Medical Applications, Dr. Dronamraju covered several important diseases such as many kinds of Cancer including chronic myeloid leukemia, melanoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, as well as multiple sclerosis, Down’s syndrome and many others. Biomarkers are genetic or physiological markers which can provide early indications of a disease, leading to the development of early treatment methods to prevent the development of a full blown disease. Biomarkers of many kinds are being discovered rapidly in recent years because of discoveries in molecular biology and medical genetics. Early detection and treatment are extremely important for the prevention of many types of cancer and other diseases. Biomarkers of many kinds include “Screening Biomarkers”, “Predisposition Biomarkers”, and “Prediction Biomarkers”, and many others. Dr. Krishna Dronamraju is President of the Foundation for Genetic Research in Houston, and is a Visiting Professor of the University of Paris, France. He is the author of 20 books and over 200 research papers in Biotechnology. He was a member of the U.S. Presidential delegation to India in 2000, and has been actively promoting U.S.-India cooperation in Science and Technology.

finished already in Sunday) the Priests had prepared a beautiful alankaram of Sri Maha Lakshmi for the traditional Lakshmi Pooja. elaborate set up made by the priests for the traditional Lakshmi puja, with the Diwali parade –where MTS was joined by Namadwar and ISKCON as

lead in. The dedicated priest of MTS inspired the devotees with The Lakshmi Sahasranama and Veda manthras and ppushpa archana was intently followed by devotees. The utsava murthy of Sri Lakshmi was taken Continued on page 7

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

New book Building Golden India released heck out a new book that is making waves – Building Golden India: How to unleash India’s vast potential and transform its higher education system. Now.

Building Golden India is about the future of India and unleashing the potential of its 1.3 billion people. The interests of students, parents, society, industry, and the nation are intimately connected through the higher education system. Further, in the next 35-50 years, India must educate and prepare 700 million to 1.3 billion young men and women for their lives and careers. So, how is India’s higher education system doing and how could it be transformed to

better meet the needs of the students, society, and the nation? Find out in the book.

Bajaj Auto, A. Paulraj, award winning faculty member at Stanford University, Anant Agarwal, CEO, edX and professor, MIT, and R. Gopalakrishnan, Director, Tata Sons Limited. Here is what some leaders and readers are saying about the book:

The book is written by Shail Kumar, pastpresident, IIT Foundation and includes a foreword by Desh Deshpande, trustee, Deshpande Foundation and life member, MIT Corporation. It has received endorsements from several industry titans, entrepreneurs, faculty members, young professionals, students, and thought leaders such as Arjun Malhotra, co-founder, HCL, TechSpan/Headstrong, SPICMACAY, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director,

“Bold, timely, and solutions-oriented book on transforming India” “Groundbreaking book” “A must read” “One of the most gripping non-fiction books I have ever read” “Commendable treatise on India’s higher education system” Book can be purchased at: www.amazon.com/author/ shailkumar For more information on the book and author, visit: www.shailkumar.com

7th Annual Metal & Muscle Expo hosts athletes from across U.S. & Canada The Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s 7th Annual Metal & Muscle Expo will host athletes from around the country and Canada and people with physical and sensory disabilities looking for sports and recreational opportunities. The Expo will introduce options for people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities to stay fit and active. This event, scheduled for Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, is free and open to all people with physical disabilities, including veterans and active duty military personnel. Competition and clinics will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall A, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, 77010. “Over the past 7 years, the Metal & Muscle Expo has served as a way of introducing returning veterans and people with disabilities to a broad

range of recreational activities available through our Adaptive Recreation Section,” said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re looking forward to another successful Expo and invite Houstonians to drop by and see the competitions and options available to them.” In addition to the competitions and tournament play, vendors will display a variety of services and equipment available to people with disabilities. “The great thing about the Metal & Muscle Expo is its diversity. We offer clinics and demonstrations in more than 14 different Paralympic and disabled sports in a ‘come try it’ atmosphere,” said Chuck French, H.P.A.R.D. Administration Manager, Adaptive Sports & Recreation. “We even have several local athletes who found their specific sports at the Metal & Muscle Expo and

are now playing at the collegiate level and beyond.” The Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s 7th Annual Metal & Muscle Expo

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

partners include: U.S. Family Health Plan, Texas Regional Paralympic Sport, TIRR Memorial Hermann, City of Pasadena Adaptive Recreation, and Pearland Adaptive Recreation.

Events scheduled throughout the weekend Expo include: 7th Annual Metal & Muscle Expo George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall A 1001 Avenida de las Americas, 77010 Date Time Event Friday, Nov 5 9:00 a.m. - Team Tournament play in: 5:00 p.m. - Wheelchair Rugby & Adult Wheel chair Basketball 2:00 p.m. - Air Rifle Clinic for military veterans Saturday, Nov 6 9:00 a.m. - Clinics and individual competitions in: 5:00 p.m. - Sitting volleyball, hand cycling, power soccer, boccia ball, amputee running, wheelchair racing, indoor rowing, wheelchair tennis, and air guns Sunday, Nov 7 - 9:00 a.m. - Final Four Tournament Games in: 12:00 noon - Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Basketball

November 13th Mentoring Breakfast! You Have a Product...Now What? Taking an idea from concept to product is hard, even harder is finding product market fit. Learn how to launch your technology related product in the market from veteran expert Gary Knee!

Gary Knee is in charge of the Software Solutions Business Unit at CHR Solutions. He is responsible for overseeing the adoption of technology, information systems architecture, software development, business process outsourcing, technical support, and software implementations for clients. Gary’s career includes technology and business leadership roles in start-up, mid cap public and Fortune 100 companies. A Senior Executive, with global experience, Gary has established high performance development and business teams to define and bring to the market, products for the telecommunication industry. Gary graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with Diploma of Electronic Engineering Technology and successfully completed his Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. Date: Friday, November 13, 2015 Time: 7:30-9am Venue: START-Houston, 1121 Delano St, Houston, TX 77003 Fee: $20 Non-Member; Free Members/Charter Members NOTE: In order to get sign up for the event, attendees must be building a technology business! Fee Disclaimer: There will be no refunds on event fees paid!

houston.tie.org

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) stewards and manages over 37,859 acres of parkland and greenspace for the City of Houston and develops and implements recreational programming for citizens of all abilities. For more information on the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022 or visit www. houstonparks.org.

Fort Bend ISD to hold public meeting to discuss State Financial Accountability Rating Public invited to attend November 16 meeting Fort Bend ISD will hold a public meeting November 16, 2015 to discuss the District’s 20142015 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating.

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston Invites you to the IACCGH Rolex Raffle Latha Ramchand Dean of the UH Bauer College of Business to pick the winning ticket at 1pm Date: November 11, 2015 Time: Networking and Registration begins at 11:30 AM Raffle to be held at 1:00 PM Location: The Hess Club 5430 Westheimer Road | Houston, TX 77056 Registration is required Proceeds benefit the IACCGH international student internship program and other educational initiatives. To register for this event, please email us at rsvp@iaccgh.com by November 9, 2015. We hope to see you at the event. Ashok Garg President, IACCGH

Jagdip Ahluwalia Executive Director

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The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., prior to the Regular Business Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held at 6431 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land 77479) Created by the 77th Texas Leg-

islature in 2001, the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is designed to encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources in order to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 7

Hindi most-spoken Indian language in US

ASHIGTON: Hindi has emerged as the largest Indian language spoken in the US, with nearly 6.5 lakh people speaking it, according to the latest Census data. The US Census Bureau based on American Community Survey data collected from 2009 to 2013, said that more than 60 million people in the US speak a language other than English at home, 25 million of whom speak English. Top languages other than English spoken in US homes include Spanish (with more than 37.4 million speakers), Chinese (about 2.9 million), French (1.3 million), Korean (1.1 million), German (1.1 million), Vietnamese (1.4 million), Arabic (924,573), Tagalog (1.6 million) and Russian (879,434). India’s national language Hindi tops the list from India with nearly 6.5 lakh speakers.

These are the most comprehensive data ever released from the Census Bureau on languages spoken less widely in the US, such as Pennsylvania Dutch, Ukrainian, Turkish, Romanian, Amharic and many others. bureau says Marathi is spoken by more than 73,000 people, Oriya (more than 5,000), Assamese (about 1300) and Kashmiri by about 1700 people in the US. It has even listed Bihari as a language spoken by nearly 600 people and Rajasthani by about 700. Nepali is spoken by more than 94,000 people and Sindhi by nearly 9,000. Nearly 250,000 people speak Telugu while Tamil is spoken by about 190,000 people, Malayalam (about 146,000 people) and Kannada (about 48,000).

Nearly 4 lakh US residents speak Urdu and Gujarati is spoken by more than 3.7 lakh people. Other than Hindi, all the major Indian languages are also spoken in the US.

Tribal language Munda is spoken by more than 2,000 people and Tibetan by over 16,000.

While Bengali and Punjabi are spoken by more than 2.5 lakh people each, the Census

The data released by Census Bureau yesterday represents the most comprehensive data on languages spoken in the US.

MTS Continued from page 5 out on the majestic silver chariot pulled by hundreds of devotees with thousands assembled all around the temple to have a darshan of this auspicious scene. The exhilarating sound of Chenda Melam led the Rathotsavam. A real kudos to the young volunteers from the VHS who enthusiastically took part in

the Diwali bazaar food drive, alternating with helping at the Kids carnival. The enthusiastic crowd of 4000 rejoiced the day’s proceedings, whether inside the Youth center bazaars or in the Kids Carnival area. evening of a spectacular firework, which was followed by Garba with live music. The mood was just exhilarating till the end. We thank the volunteers and employees of MTS for organizing such a flawless festival year after year for two decades.

Also included are 150 different Native NorthAmerican languages, collectively spoken by more than 350,000 people, including Yupik, Dakota, Apache, Keres and Cherokee. “While most of the US population speaks only English at home or a handful of other languages like Spanish or Vietnamese, the American Community Survey released the wide-ranging language diversity of the US,” said Erik Vickstrom, a Census Bureau statistician. “For example, in the New York metro area alone, more than a third of the population speaks a language other than English at home, and close to 200 different languages are spoken. Knowing the number of languages and how many speak these languages in a particular area provides valuable information to policymakers, planners and researchers,” he said.

All the Temple staff deserve our sincere thanks for the hard work both before and during the Diwali bazaar with many last minute issues that the rain posed. The success of a big event like Diwali bazaar requires many hands working together and indeed the 2015 Diwali bazaar is a testimony again. They deserve congratulations for a meticulous job well done with the support of many benevolent well-wishers and supporters. We pray to Sri Meenakshi for a year of happiness and welfare.

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Indian grandfather assault case in US: Retrial of Eric Parker to resume

ASHINGTON: After marathon deliberations spread over three days, on the case of police brutality on an Indian grandfather in the US, the jury has decided to meet again on Wednesday. Yesterday afternoon, the federal jury in Alabama’s capital Huntsville, came back to District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala that they have not been able to arrive at a consensus on the second trial of Eric Parker, the cop charged with use of excessive force on 58-year-old Sureshbhai Patel that left him partially paralysed.

three men -- said, they have tried to work toward a unanimous verdict, and are still working towards it.

guilty.

“We have voted a couple of times and haven’t come up with a unanimous decision. What do we do next?” the jury asked.

They decided to resume their deliberations today as one of the members was not feeling well.

Haikala then encouraged the jury to try to arrive at a consensus.

It was known, what was the issue of deliberations on yesterday.

Following the incident ? which created outrage in both India and the US ? Parker was briefly arrested and then released. He was suspended by the police department.

There is no reason to believe the federal government could select a more confident nor more conscientious jury for a new trial, she apparently told the jury.

On Monday they spent most part of the day watching the dash cam video in which Parker is seen hitting Sureshbhai to the ground, resulting in him getting partially paralysed.

At the end, the jury - which comprises nine woman and

Parker, 27, faces up to 10 years of imprisonment if found

His first trial in September ended in a mistrial.

“Parker is doing fine under the circumstances,” his attorney Robert Tuten, told local media outlets. “Everyone is tired and worn out from waiting, of course. I think that shows how complex this situation is and how difficult this situation is for everyone involved,” he said. (PTI)

Symposium Continued from page 1 at from a Donor’s Perspective. Helen Matthis, RN, spoke on Living Donor Transplant: The Phases of the Living Donor Process.” Dr. Mark Hobeika educated attendees on Donor Transplant Surgical Technique. A thirty minute presentation on pre-liver transplant was made by Rhonda Johnson, BSN, RN. Dr. Aleksandra De Golovine concluded the symposium by addressing the issues of Ethnicity in Kidney Transplants. Attendees were given a survey to mark in their responses based on the usefulness of the

Spaceport Continued from page 1

Spaceport. In addition, NSTC instructors provide training on the causes and outcomes of aerospace accidents and incidents which is not available from other sources.

Dr. Wasim Dar speaks on technical overview on kidney / pancreas transplantation. (Photo: Jacob David) information and education they received and asked to grade the speakers as well. The survey also asked details on if

the attendees would change methods to their professional practice based on the education received at this symposium.

The agreement helps NASA achieve its functions as expressed in the National Aeronautics and Space Act to “seek and encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space.” In addition, because safety is a core value at NASA, this partnership helps NASA in its mission to

transfer its knowledge and expertise in system safety to the private sector as part of its mission to disseminate information, to enable it to encourage the development of a commercial space sector mission operations capability for operating in low Earth orbit. (Fly2.com)

INDIA

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

yellowish-green in colour on the eve of the Test.

Unbeaten visitors look to spoil India’s homecoming By Firdose Moonda In Mohali Report: Nov 4, 2015 The Big Picture

born that year, and half the current squad were not. But they are a young group, with a lot to prove, mostly to themselves. They need to show that cricket can move on.

ndia’s wait for a Test at home is finally over. It has been two years since the team played a home series, and the drought is ending with a downpour. This is not just any series. This is the first four-Test series against South Africa in India, and South Africa’s first in India since they became No.1.

South Africa have already done that but need to keep moving. They have learnt that to hold on to their position at the top, they have to keep coming up with more creative ways to stay there. This trip will test those skills more than any other.

The last time South Africa were in India, five years ago, the roles were reversed. Then, India were on top. But since then, South Africa have overtaken them and hosted India twice. Both times, the action has been absorbing. In 2010, India were hours away from upstaging South Africa in their own backyard. In 2013, the drawn drawn Test at the Wanderers provided one of cricket’s greatest what-ifs and the Boxing Day game which followed was a farewell to Jacques Kallis.

The series opener requires someone to set the tone and the two people most suited to doing that are the captains. Both are relatively new in the job with Virat Kohli leading India for the first time at home and only the seventh time overall .At least he has a good day to do it, on his 27th birthday. Kohli will want no gift other than a strong first showing from his men.

That day, India may have wondered how South Africa would cope without Kallis and although they are still searching for the answer in ODIs, in Test cricket they have transitioned well. Better than India, some would say. South Africa have gone through a change of coach and captain without a change in results. India have grappled with a much more difficult changing of the guard, that will see play a home Test without any of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag or Saurav Ganguly for the first time since 1988. Virat Kohli was

In the spotlight

Hashim Amla has been in charge for just eight matches, and has not lost yet. His own form, though, is under scrutiny. Amla has not scored a fifty on this tour of India and is struggling for runs. But he has a record in the country few can match. On three tours, Amla has scored four centuries, including a double-hundred, and amassed 823 runs, the most by any South African in India. If he can add 177 to that, he will become only the fourth overseas batsman to score 1000 Test runs in India. If he does that all in one innings, or even in one match, he will be back in form too. Team news India will field five bowlers, even if it

First time, India takes Nepal to the UN by Shubhajit Roy

aking a stand against Nepal for the first time at an international forum, India told a meet-

The weather up north has been much cooler than in other parts of the country with pleasant temperatures in the mid-20s and no humidity. The seasonal smog, a product of the stubble-burning from rice farmers throughout the state, continues to hang in the air and with early sunsets, bad light could become a concern.

ing of the UN Human Rights Council Wednesday that it was “concerned” over “lack of political progress” and incidents of “violence, extra-judicial killings and ethnic discrimination” in

Stats and Trivia India have only lost one home Tess series in the last 11 years, to England in 2012. Between November 2004 and November 2015, they played 17 series at home, winning 12 and drawing five. They have not had any home Tests for the last two years. Virat Kohli blew a kiss to Anushka Sharma after completing his fifty. Photo: PTI means shortening their batting lineup. They are likely to play all three specialist spinners with only two of the three seamers, and will have to choose between Chesteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma at No.5. India: (probable) 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 M Vijay, 3 Ajinkya Rahane, 4 Virat Kohli (capt), 5 Cheteshwar Pujara/Rohit Sharma, 6 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 7 R Ashwin, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Amit Mishra, 10 and 11 Umesh Yadav/Varun Aaron/Bhuvneshwar Kumar JP Duminy, who had stitches removed from the cut on his hand, is “unlikely,” in Amla’s words, to be rushed back from injury which will allow Temba Bavuma an opportunity in the middle order. South Africa will have to find holding overs from someone else, probably parttimers. They are likely to rely on their usual three-pronged pace pack, provided Morne Morkel passes a fitness test, which could see Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl bowl more than usual. Imran Tahir could make a Test comeback 11 months after he

last appeared in the longest format unless South Africa go conservative and opt for Simon Harmer. South Africa: (probable) 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Stiaan van Zyl, 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Hashim Amla (capt), 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Dane Vilas (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Simon Harmer/Imran Tahir Pitch and conditions The PCA pitch has been the subject of more speculation than is normal ahead of this Test because it is expected to be India’s 12th man. Ravi Shastri has spoken about the importance of home conditions, which suggests India will request rank turners, and after the recent controversies with ground curators, they are likely to get them, even in Mohali which has traditionally been kinder to quicks. Amla said he expected the surface to turn “a bit,” but laughed when asked if that was all he expected. The square has not been relaid in 23 years, which would also suggest spin on offer. The pitch was

South Africa’s unbeaten nine-year streak on the road has included 13 series in all 10 Test countries other than their own where Test cricket is hosted, including Pakistan. Of those, there are only two places where South Africa have not won, but drawn series: India and the UAE, both twice. Quotes “It will be an exciting and special moment for me tomorrow when I take the field in my first home game as captain. Secondly it’s my birthday as well so it doubles up the excitement for tomorrow.” Virat Kohli is all smiles ahead of his first home Test as skipper “I think we know the way South Africans play, whether it’s under me or Graeme. We try and play tough cricket on the field. There’s no need to look further than that. We try not to put any emphasis on the opposition, but on what we do. One of our successes is we’ve managed to bat, bowl and field pretty decently away from home and we want to continue that.” Hashim Amla promises more of the same from South Africa in this series Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent

As a close and friendly neighbour, India’s Acting Permanent Representative Reddy said India has consistently appealed to the Nepal government to address all challenges in a spirit of dialogue and reconciliation. the Himalayan country. Referring to the Madhesi protests against the new Constitution and zero-movement of trucks on the IndoNepal border — the Nepal delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa called it an obstruction — In-

dia said the “obstruction referred in the Hon’ble Minister’s statement is on Nepalese side caused by Nepalese protesters”. Thapa, on his part, said: “Under any pretext, disruption of supplies, disruption of transit is not acceptable…

Can’t Nepal have its own authority to promulgate a Constitution?” “For a country like Nepal, how much suffering can we go through?… Is that justifiable? Can’t Nepal have its own authority to promulgate constitution?” (Indian Express)

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 10

Pakistan building collapse: 18 workers dead, 150 trapped

An injured survivor was removed Wednesday from the rubble of the Rajput Polyester Factory in Lahore, which collapsed while laborers were working on an additional floor. (Photo: Mohsin Raza/ Reuters)

SLAMABAD, Nov 4: At least 16 people were killed and dozens wounded when a factory undergoing expansion collapsed into rubble Wednesday evening in an industrial park in eastern Pakistan, rescue workers and government officials said. Seventy laborers were pulled out from the debris alive, rescue workers said, but about 100 are still believed to be trapped underneath. Excavators and cranes were used to dig through the rubble and debris to look for survivors. Troops from the army’s engineering corps have also been sent to the factory, near Lahore, to help in the rescue effort, a spokesman for the military said. A state of emergency was declared in Lahore hospitals. The site, run by Rajput Polyester Factory, manufactured plastic shopping bags. The factory is in the Sundar Industrial Estate, a 1,750-acre business park about 28 miles southwest of Lahore, the capital of Punjab

Province, officials said. At least 250 workers were employed there.

the episode and directed the provincial authorities to expedite the rescue efforts.

The exact cause of the collapse was not immediately clear, said Ahad Muzaffar Shah, a senior official of Bahria Town, a prominent property and real estate developer whose rescue team also reached the site.

The chief minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Mr. Sharif, said an inquiry had been ordered into the cause of the collapse.

“The building was already in a debilitated condition,” Mr. Shah said. He said 54 workers were pulled from the rubble by his team. “We are using dumpers, excavators and loaders for the rescue operation,” he said. Construction work was proceeding on the three-story building to add a fourth story, and there was speculation initially that the roof under construction had caved in, Mr. Shah said. The building had also developed cracks after the earthquake that rattled Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan last month. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan expressed grief over

The episode has led to renewed calls for the government to take measures to make sure that buildings do not violate laws and are properly scrutinized by the authorities to ensure security and safety. “Building and construction bylaws are not stringently implemented in the city,” said Sarah N. Ahmed, a building and urban design professional based in Lahore. “A re-evaluation of construction and safety standards is needed not only in Lahore, but all across the country.” “Pakistan is in an active earthquake zone, and rising density and urbanization require responsible development in order to reduce the risk of loss of life,” Ms. Ahmed said. (Report by Salman Masood)

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 45

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 13

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Forget about Movember, it’s all about MOVEmber

There’s a new way to do Movember. This year’s challenge is to get active - and with good reason

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

This is how much it would cost to live like James Bond by Luke Graham

f you’ve ever wanted to live like James Bond, you’re going to need a lot of cash! With the release of “Spectre”, the 24th entry in the “James Bond” franchise, CNBC looks at what makes up the lifestyle of the suave super-spy.

spy, who was created by novelist Ian Fleming in 1953, come cheap. He wears Italian suits and, while visiting the Alps, sports a knitted sleeve bomber jacket and stirrup trousers designed by Tom Ford, costing $3,820. No spy would be complete without their accessories. Bond

In total, you’d need almost $1,500,000 to live like James Bond (not including the cost of regularly drinking Vodka Martinis). But how much is Bond earning as a member of the British civil service? “After some debate in the FCO press office we think Bond

Photo: Movemeber.com

by Siobhan Norton

t’s that time of year again. There’s a bite in the air, a crunch underfoot, and a dubious amount of facial hair springing to the lips of men everywhere. Yes, ‘tis the month to be moustachioed, thanks to the incredibly successful Movember campaign.It was set up to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and depression, with “Mo Bros” all over the world raising money for charity.

But what about the follicly challenged? Or indeed, those who want more of a challenge than just being sparing with the razor? Well, this year, the Mo Bros (and Mo Sistas) are being encouraged to get moving. The challenge is to MOVE every day for the 30 days of Movember. How you MOVE each day is up to you. It could be a bike ride or a jog, a trip to the gym, walking to work or busting a move at a wedding (you know you want to). Whether your idea of fun is an Ironman challenge or ping pong, the important thing is just to get going. Why? We all know exercise is a cornerstone of health, and studies have shown that moving on a regular basis can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer by up to 50 per cent and lower your risk of early death by up to 30 per cent. It’s also one of the best ways to stay mentally healthy and one of the best treatments for mild to moderate depression.

As an amateur boxer, David King knows the benefits of exercise, and being in tune with your body. The 46-year-old nightclub owner was diagnosed with prostate cancer after noticing changes in his urine habits. Luckily it was caught early enough when it was still confined to the prostate, so he underwent a cyber knife surgery to have his prostate removed. “I was totally gobsmacked when I was diagnosed,” he said. “After taking up boxing training and losing more than five stone in the process, I was feeling better than ever. I thought I was too young to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and couldn’t understand why it had happened. “I thought it was an old man’s disease, but I was in my early 40s when I was diagnosed. Men don’t talk about their health the way women do. We delay going to the doctors due to embarrassment. Men need to wake up and face up to cancer. If you feel something is not quite right, visit your doctor and discuss a PSA test as early as possible.” David feels that it is crucial to raise awareness of the disease so that more men like him can survive the disease in the future. He has also run a number of fundraising activities. “I feel I can beat anything. Since my operation, I have had a professional boxing fight, it makes you invincible!” You can sign up to MOVE now at Movember.com.

Are gold- & gemstone-infused products a total fabrication? by Wendy Rose Gould

iamonds are a girl’s best friend, the old song says. This may have been because diamonds are sparkly and pretty to look at (and there’s probably some antiquated nod at engagement rings in there, too). But with the recent appearances of diamond-infused beauty products, it may be their complexionenhancing powers that qualify these jewels for BFF status. In fact, we’re seeing plenty of products made with other precious gemstones — and gold, too. So what’s the deal? They certainly sound like something we’d like to get our hands on; at the same time, though, they set our gimmickO-meter on red alert. Could gems actually be good for our skin? Here, a handful of experts field some hard (as diamonds?) questions to find out. Gemstones, including dia-

Photo-illustration: Cesaria-Yohann In the latest film, Bond drives an Aston Martin DB10, skis in the Austrian Alps and visits Mexico City for the Day of the Dead festival. The DB10 is not on sale to the public, but Aston Martin has released the DB9 GT Bond edition, which will set you back $253,000, while five nights in the Alps and another five nights in Mexico would cost around $2,100. Neither does dressing like the monds, are used in two primary ways: to add shimmer and to exfoliate skin. “Most gems in products are using the glimmer aspect to create a glowy appearance to the skin,” says Beverly Hillsbased dermatologist Ts i p p o r a Shainhouse, MD. “The light reflectance from the flakes of pearl, gold, and diamond dust makes skin appear healthy and radiant.”

favors the Xperia Z5 smartphone in “Spectre”, which retails at around $840, and wears an OMEGA Seamaster 300 (worth around $6,000) on his wrist. According to the novels, Bond lives in an apartment off the King’s Road in Chelsea, an expensive part of West London. Searching for a one-bedroom apartment on the property website Foxtons reveals the average cost would be around £800,000 ($1,223,000). metaphysical and healing properties.” This claim stems from ancient times when gemstones

most approximates to a D7 salary (that at least is the level a colonel would be in the Ministry of Defence),” a spokesperson for the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office told CNBC. “Of course, Bond’s job doesn’t really exist so it’s impossible to really say!” That means Bond may be earning a maximum of £68,539 ($104,800) a year. To pay for his lavish lifestyle, he’s either privately wealthy, or the super-spy is massively in debt. gemstones for these reasons, though we don’t have empirical proof of the stones’ “powers.” As for gold, there’s much debate around it as a beauty ingredient. Some swear by it, building entire lines around the shimmery stuff; others are skeptical of product claims. “Golden micro-pigments give a subtle, naturallooking glow — a look of vitality and energy,” says Daniel Stangl, PhD, director of innovation at La Prairie. This glow can help combat dull and lackluster skin, which is often one of the first signs of aging.

“THE LIGHT REFLECTANCE FROM THE FLAKES OF PEARL, GOLD, AND DIAMOND DUST DOES MAKES SKIN APPEAR HEALTHY AND RADIANT.”

In addition to depositing shimmer on skin or hair, crushed and powdered gemstones can also work as effective exfoliators by removing dulling skin and stimulating healthy cell turnover. It is important to note, however, that these stones are very hard and must be crushed very finely in order to prevent micro-tearing or other damage to the skin. For some, gemstones may take on more a spiritual role versus an aesthetic one — with claims that they nourish your soul. This Organic Gemstone-Infused Massage Oil by Aquarian Soul includes jewels that the Rodale’s website says are carefully “selected for their

were used to promote health and wellness. Each gemstone was believed to hold its own specific healing properties — and to this day, people choose to carry and use crystals or

But Dr. Shainhouse doesn’t buy into the gold rush. “Gold is touted as an element that will tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, calm inflammation, and facilitate absorption of other topical products,” she explains. “There is no scientific data that gold can do any of this when applied to skin, though. Yes, oral consumption of gold was used in the past as a second- or third-line agent to reduce inflammation in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients; however, this is not common practice anymore.” (Refinery29.com)

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 14

How seaweed could ruin your next vacation by Benjamin Snyder

e careful where you go.

Yes, seaweed.

When the seaweed washes up on shore, it apparently collects in heaps as high as four feet. There, it starts to smell bad and attracts hundreds of flies. As the publication notes: The exact cause of this year’s supersize sargassum bloom isn’t

Menswear outshines womenswear at Beach Fashion Week show ANAJI Bright coloured swimming trunks, shirts with lungis and sherwanis with palazzo pants -- these fashion trends and more grabbed the attention at the three-day Gionee India Beach Fashion Week (GIBFW) 2015, where menswear stole the show.

Be careful where you decide to take your next beach vacation. Seaweed is currently running rampant in one popular destination.

Called sargassum, the stinky plant life is apparently growing rapidly in the Caribbean and causing the tourism economy there to dip, New York Magazine reported recently.

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Sargassum seaweed could ruin your next vacation. (Photo:Thomas Wiewandt T. A. Wiewandt - wildhorizons.com) known, but theories range from altered ocean currents caused by climate change to the longstanding link between oceanchoking algae blooms and fertilizer runoff from farms. Mexico’s coastline has a huge tourism economy. It attracts more than 10 million tourists—and over $8 billion in revenue—each year, according to the magazine. “Beaches

are what we sell to the whole world and what we depend on, directly or indirectly, for all our income,” said José Eduardo Mariscal de la Selva, who directs Cancún’s maritime department, to the publication. Mexico spent $9 million this year in an attempt to clear the sargassum from its beaches. (AFP)

Global luxury goods market exceeds $1 trillion

New report finds strong sales of luxury cars and art despite personal luxuries market being hit by weaker demand in China and Hong Kong

From the opening day to veteran designer Wendell Rodricks’s closing show on Saturday night -- menswear turned out to be a highlight and delight for many. Rodricks’s collection clad both men and women, but what caught the eyeballs was when some male models started his show on a dramatic note. They got on the stage together and removed their robes only to reveal their toned physique and colourful (even pink and blue) swimming trunks. But that was not all. There were more male models who mostly hit the runway sans their shirt, and highlighted their six-packs. The menswear featured collarless jackets, fluid trousers, pants with side flaps and pleated trousers with side fins. “I really enjoyed doing the menswear because it was very different. It was breezy and very Goa. I don’t normally do such creative menswear, but I really put my heart into it,” Rodricks said.

Designer duo Debarghaya Bairagi (Dev) and Navonil Das (Nil) earlier presented their collection, ‘The Journey’, for men and women at the Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa. But it was the exciting options for men that found immense appreciation. Ankle-length trousers, printed black and white pants, kurtas with leaf prints and check suits from their collection can definitely make it to a style conscious man’s wardrobe.

The same was for Niteesh Singh Chauhan’s ‘Ghats of Varanasi’ collection. The colour story in Niteesh’s collection spoke of acute devotion: flame-red moved to ruby, corals met shades of saffron, while honey yellow went lemon and mustard before ending up in off-white. Feroza Dalal, an Indian buyer, found Marwa’s menswear collection very festive. (IANS)

Vacation homes in high demand by Michele Lerner

I (Photo: Darley Shen/Reuters)

trong sales of luxury cars and fine art have helped push the global luxury goods market higher than €1tn ($1.1trn) for the first time, according to a new report, despite slowing demand for personal luxuries such as jewellery and handbags. The personal luxury market has been hit by weaker demand in China and Hong Kong, said the annual report from consultancy Bain & Co. Chinese consumers account for 31% of global luxury sales, followed by US consumers at 24% and Europeans at 18%. Chinese consumers are still spending, but they are now heading to Europe and Japan – attracted by the weak euro and yen – rather than their traditional shopping destinations of Hong Kong and Macau. About 80% of Chinese luxury goods shopping is done abroad. The findings echo recent comments from British luxury fashion house Burberry, which has blamed a sharp sales slowdown on weaker demand among shoppers in China. The fastest growth was for sales of luxury cars, up 8% year on year, and fine art, up 6% with postwar and contemporary work particularly strong.

Growth in the personal luxury goods markets, which includes jewellery, watches

and leather goods as well as fashion and perfumes, slowed to 1-2% from 3% in 2014. It is now worth €253bn. Back in 2011, 2012 and 2013, the market grew by 13%, 5% and 6% respectively.

The “super dollar” made the US too expensive for many global tourists. Nevertheless, the US remains the world’s largest luxury market at €79bn; New York City alone outweighed all of Japan.

“For the last several years, we’ve referenced ‘luxury’s new normal’ with a deceleration of the personal luxury goods market. Now, we are starting to feel the impact of that slowdown,” said Claudia D’Arpizio, a Bain partner in Milan and lead author of the study. “The challenge for luxury brands in this environment is how to successfully navigate through hard-topredict volatility.”

Local buying by Europeans and Americans has fallen in the past five years. D’Arpizio said many major brands had alienated local consumers by raising prices for certain items such as bestselling handbags.

Another reason for the slowdown is the retreat of Russians, particularly from their shopping hotspots such as Dubai and Milan. They cut their taxfree spending in Europe by 37%. A year ago, they were the world’s second biggest buyers of luxury goods behind the Chinese, but their purchasing power has halved with the rouble’s devaluation. Asia registered its worst performance ever, due to the lacklustre trend of mainland China and a sharp drop in sales in Hong Kong and Macau. However, in Europe, Chinese tax-free purchases increased by 64% while Americans increased their spending in Europe by 67%.

The increases, which she estimated at 30-50% over the past three years for some items, were partly driven by the desire to bring prices into line with other regions such as Asia, where prices were higher due to tariffs and other factors. D’Arpizio said: “I think some luxury brands focused on China too much and lost focus on the local European customer base and as a result, some of them feel betrayed by these brands. Those who could afford these goods in Europe started asking themselves: ‘Why should I pay so much money for this product?’” Local European and American consumers increasingly prefer to shop at discount outlets. Bain estimates the outlet market now represented 10% of total luxury sales, with its revenue doubling in the past three years to $27bn. (The Guardian)

India’s luxury goods market to hit Rs7,100 crore

lobal luxury industry surpasses €1 trillion in retail sales value in 2015, says Bain & Co. report India’s luxury goods market is expected to touch €1 billion (about Rs.7,120 crore) by the end of 2015, a 13% yearly increase at current exchange rates, according to a report published on Thursday by consulting firm Bain and Co. and Italian luxury goods maker Fondazione Altagamma.

Luxury cars (8%), luxury hospitality (7%) and fine arts (6%) lead growth in the global luxury goods market for the year.

A client advisor positions a new Jaguar in the Mumbai showroom. According to the report, which tracks the sales of expensive cars and bags, among other products, the global luxury industry has surpassed €1 trillion in retail sales value in 2015, a 5% increase.

The personal luxury goods market, which include leather accessories, fashion, fragrances and cosmetics, reached €253 billion in 2015. (Bloomberg News, additional reporting by consulting firm Bain and Co.)

f you’re thinking about buying a vacation home, you aren’t alone.

Vacation home sales across the country are soaring, mainly for two reasons: Declining prices mean deals can be had, and empty nesters are flooding into the market. Baby boomers looking ahead to their days of leisure are snapping up vacation homes at a faster pace than ever, particularly in beach resorts in the South and the West. Vacation home sales rose 57.4 percent in 2014 compared with 2013 and reached a record high, according to the National Association of Realtors. In fact, vacation homes now represent 21 percent of all home sales, the highest share since NAR began tracking the market in 2003. An estimated 1.13 million vacation homes were bought last year, up from 717,000 in 2013. “There are several factors driving vacation home sales, but one of the main ones is pure demographics, with baby boomers nearing retirement age or already retired who plan to downsize,” says Jessica Lautz, director of surveys and communications for NAR in Washington, D.C. “One in five of vacation home buyers say they plan to live in the home full time in the future.” Baby boomers aren’t the only ones getting into the game.

Some younger families with investment income or home equity from appreciating home values are opting to buy vacation homes to serve as a place to generate memories with their families, invest for the future and generate income from short-term rentals to offset their own vacation costs. One-third of vacation home buyers plan to use their property as a family retreat, and 13 percent bought for future price appreciation, according to NAR’s research. “The rise in the stock market last year contributed to the spike in vacation home sales,” Lautz says. “Thirty percent of all vacation home sales were all-cash purchases, and even among those who financed their homes, 48 percent made a down payment of 30 percent or more.” Lautz says these cash sales were a little easier to make because of the lower median cost of vacation homes, which fell 11.1?percent from $168,700 in 2013 to $150,000 in 2014 in spite of increased demand. She says 45 percent of vaca-

tion homes bought in 2014 were distressed sales, meaning they were a foreclosure or short sale. “People are also buying relatively small homes, with a median size of 1,500 square feet,” Lautz says. “Some choose to buy condos and townhouses, which are 46 percent of the market, compared to 54 percent of single-family homes.” Buyers of vacation homes traditionally prefer to buy a place close to their primary residence so they can get there on weekends with ease. But according to research by HomeAway, a vacation rental website, that pattern is changing. The average vacation home bought in 2013 was 322 miles from a primary residence, compared with 49?miles away in 2003. Beach resort properties are the most popular, attracting 40 percent of buyers, compared with 19 percent in the country and 17 percent in the mountains, according to NAR’s survey. (Washington Post)

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VOICE OF ASIA 15

HEALTH, SC & TECH

America’s Tech Titans Explore Spiritual Side at Indian Temple by Annie Gowen

Only recently did Mark Zuckerberg reveal that he had traveled to the ashram during the early days of Facebook at the suggestion of one of his mentors, Apple founder Steve Jobs. Zuckerberg said that Jobs had come here as a college student in the 1970s and thought it would be a good place for him to mull the future of his company. Over the years, the riverside retreat in the state of Uttarakhand has quietly attracted other tech titans from Google, Apple and eBay. Now, thanks to Zuckerberg, who was in India again last week, it is having its moment in the spotlight. Indian media descended in droves. Attendance tripled. Train and busloads of curiosity seekers from other parts of India began arriving, hoping to get a look at what is now being called the “Zuckerberg temple.” As with hundreds of other ashrams and spiritual centers in India, Western backpackers and tourists have come to Kainchi for decades. But the mystery is why this modest ashram would attract such a steady stream of American tech visionaries. Along with Jobs and Zuckerberg, Google’s Larry Page and Jeffrey Skoll, co-founder of eBay, have also made the pilgrimage. “Everybody in the world wants to go and see this place,” said Larry Brilliant, a doctor who once lived at the ashram and later became head of Google’s philanthropy division. “It’s a combination of ‘Eat Pray Love,’ know thyself and change the world.” Devotees say much of Kainchi’s appeal is connected to its spiritual founder, Neem Karoli Baba. The sadhu, or holy man, came to the hills from a nearby state and lived in a cave for a time - a spot preserved at the ashram and lighted by candles - before the first temple was built in 1964. A small person wrapped in a large plaid shawl, Neem Karoli Baba normally sat on an elevated cot as followers meditated around him, offering a few kind words, a laugh and occasionally throwing fruit. His philosophy was simple - “all one.” He exuded goodness, according to devotee Craig Mather, 64, a business analyst from Wales. When he first saw the holy man in 1973, he said, “It was like seeing the sun - dressed in a blanket.” Jobs arrived in 1974 on a trip around India. He had a growing interest in Eastern spirituality and a classmate had met the

Khan was a pioneer in introducing the concept of science and literature together as a single entity. He worked at length to bring science in Urdu literature and was also involved in conducting scientific seminars and similar activities during his lifetime. In 1992 he established the Bazme Sciency Adab society. He is also referred to as ‘Baba-e-Sciency Sahafat’ for his services in science journalism in Pakistan. Faculty member of Kara-

Evaluating health insurance plans can be daunting and confusing, and most people don’t get much guidance, research shows.

t’s open enrollment season for almost every kind of health insurance in America. Millions of Americans using Medicare plans, employer-sponsored health insurance or Affordable Care Act marketplaces select health plans each fall. Many consumers face numerous options, and research shows that they make many mistakes, often paying more than they need to. Mark Zuckerberg revealed that he had traveled to the Kainchi Dham ashram during the early days of Facebook at the suggestion of one of his mentors, Apple founder Steve Jobs, who had come to the ashram as a college student. (Photo: Washington Post) guru and urged Jobs to meet him, Jobs told his biographer, Walter Isaacson. But when he arrived, suffering from dysentery, Jobs was disappointed to learn that the guru had died the previous September. He spent most of his time walking around nearby villages and reading an English version of “Autobiography of a Yogi,” the story of another famed sage, according to Isaacson. “He was searching for the same thing all of us search for, what we’re still searching for, the meaning of life, why we live, how we can do anything good in our lifetimes,” said Brilliant, who became a lifelong friend. He was also searching for raw food, as Brilliant puts it - “Where the hell am I going to get a good salad?” Brilliant, who is now senior adviser to Skoll Global Threats Fund, lived at the ashram for three years before Neem Karoli Baba pushed him to leave and take on the smallpox epidemic. At first, Brilliant resisted. “Every time I would try and meditate he would distract me and frequently it was by throwing fruit,” Brilliant recalled. “He hit me with flying apples a couple of times in my testicles.” Brilliant eventually talked himself into a job at the World Health Organization and worked for the groundbreaking eradication effort. The idea of expanding consciousness is inextricably linked with the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s and early 1970s and those like Jobs who developed personal computers. Jobs left India after seven months but embraced Zen Buddhism and meditation for the rest of his life. More than four decades later, Silicon Valley’s biggest companies are employing “mindfulness counselors” and opening meditation rooms for digitally distracted employees. Zuckerberg came to Kainchi in 2008, a time when his company had hit a “tough patch,” he said recently at a live Facebook event with India’s prime minister. He went to see Jobs to ask his advice. “He told me that in order to reconnect with what I believed

Zuckerberg remains keenly interested in India, a country with 130 million Facebook users. He visited last week to drum up support for his free Internet.org service for developing countries, which has been criticized for violating principles of net neutrality.

Some err by selecting deductibles that are too low. Lower deductibles can be a fine choice for some consumers, but trying to save money with a lower deductible can be a poor choice if a person pays even more in premiums. For instance, at one large American company in 2010, employees could reduce their deductible by $250 — to $750 from $1,000 — by paying $500 more in premiums. Trading $500 for $250 is clearly a bad deal for the consumer.

The ashram is a cluster of three main temples, offices and simple living quarters that sits alongside the rushing falls of a small tributary of the Kosi River. There is a bare-bones routine, with morning and evening prayers along with communal meals of lentils, potatoes and rice. Devotees help around the compound, meditate or socialize. It’s quieter these days as the ashram is readying to close for the winter, when the snows descend from the Himalayas.

Yet a majority of the firm’s workers made bad deals like this, according to a study by Saurabh Bhargava, a Carnegie Mellon economist, and his colleagues. Workers were offered a choice of 48 plans that were identical except in cost sharing and premiums. Though no plan would have been optimal for every employee, a $1,000 deductible plan would have been better for many and at least a no-worse choice for 97 percent of employees who chose a lower deductible.

as the mission of the company, I should visit this temple that he had gone to in India, early on in his evolution of thinking about what he wanted Apple and his vision of the future to be,” Zuckerberg said. His month-long trip “reinforced for me the importance of what we were doing.”

Nonetheless, as morning prayers began Thursday, several worshipers arrived who said they’d come by train to see the place they’d heard so much about. One was Sheelendra Pratap Singh, 28, a New Delhi resident who said he made the trip because of Zuckerberg’s journey. Singh was searching for inspiration, too. Business at his civil construction firm is down 50 percent. “I thought if I came here, Kainchi Dham would bless me, and business will improve,” he said. As he spoke, the morning worship ritual had reached a crescendo. Priest and followers paused in front of a small temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, chanting, beating cymbals, singing and raising their hands in the air in praise. Inside the small marble structure sits a life-like statue of the holy man, wrapped in a purple blanket, lighted with candles and incense.

chi University’s department of chemistry, Dr Zahida Maqsood, said that science and the love of Urdu was a mantra that Khan carried throughout his life. “The introduction of Urdu in scientific poetry was due to the work of Khan alone,” she said.

govern all spheres of our personal and professional lives. It is because we have left rationality that the nation is in the mess that it is in,” he claimed. “We should give it a thought as to why science is missing from our lives,” said Masood.

“It never felt like I was meeting a person whenever I met him. It felt as if you were talking to a mission or a goal,” shared Tahir Masood from the department of mass communication, University of Karachi. “Try to include science journalism as part of the mass communication curriculum, he would advise me whenever we would meet,” said Masood.

One of Khan’s students, Saeedul Kabir, read some verses of scientific poetry. Kabir shared numerous instances from his student life when he wrote such verses under the supervision of his beloved teacher. Be it the melting of glaciers, the 1957 sputnik incident or a matter as complicated as a heart bypass, Kabir amused the audience with his refreshing approach towards literature. “Sambhal ker chairna cactus ko dekho, yeh mosiqar ki sargam nahi,” [Be careful while touching a cactus, it is not a musician’s tune] he cautioned. (The Express Tribune)

Elaborating on the importance of the scientific approach in daily life, Masood said to adopt science is to be logical about decisions. “At present, extremism and irrationality

cent could report what a fourday hospital stay would cost them. Yet study subjects were overconfident. All said they understood what a “co-pay” was, but 28 percent could not correctly answer a question testing their understanding of the term; only 7 percent would admit to not knowing what “maximum out-of-pocket” meant, but 41 percent couldn’t define it. Another study found that less than a third of respondents could correctly answer questions about coverage features of their own plan. Yet another

Illustration:Fotolia) found that only a minority of workers at a large firm could answer questions about plan characteristics or their own, recent health care spending. Without a doubt, choosing a plan can be daunting. A shopper in the Affordable Care Act marketplace can choose from 40 plans, on average. A typical Medicare beneficiary can choose from among nearly 20 Medicare Advantage plans and 30 stand-alone prescription drug plans.

People make mistakes like this for a variety of reasons. Some don’t understand basic health insurance concepts. In an experiment accompanying Mr. Bhargava’s study, 71 percent of people couldn’t identify fundamental cost-sharing features of health insurance plans. This type of illiteracy was highly predictive of mistakes like overpaying for a lower deductible.

In selecting plans, consumers are prone to mental shortcuts that often lead to poor choices. Plan labels - like the “gold,” “silver” or “bronze” - can fool people. To some, “gold” sounds better than “bronze,” even if it isn’t. In one study, people were asked to select hypothetical plans with these labels, but the researchers reversed the meaning of “gold” and “bronze” for half of them. It didn’t matter. Most people picked “gold” anyway.

Another study, led by George Loewenstein, a professor of economics and psychology at Carnegie Mellon, found that people misunderstood plan features and costs. Even with plan details right in front of them, only 40 percent of privately insured Americans could identify how much they’d have to pay for an M.R.I. scan. Only 11 per-

The ordering of choices also matters. Consumers tend to select plans near the top of a list, a phenomenon that arises in other contexts: Economists download more papers from the tops of lists of new studies, as my colleague Neil Irwin reported; politicians at the top of ballots receive more votes.

Eric Johnson, a Columbia business professor, led a study that found that without substantial additional assistance, a consumer’s likelihood of selecting the lowest-cost plan is no better than chance. The researchers conducted a series of experiments on people similar to those who would shop for marketplace coverage. Each study participant was asked to presume he’d use a certain amount of health care and, based on that, to choose the lowest-cost plan from among eight choices, which varied by premium, doctor co-pay and deductible. Only 21 percent could accomplish this task, a figure not statistically different from chance. The annual cost of errors was about $250. A separate analysis showed that participants had a stronger aversion to an increase in costs in deductible or co-pay than to the same increase in premium. Because a dollar is a dollar, no matter how you spend it, this is another indication of irrational decision making. But when study subjects were provided with a tutorial or with a calculator that revealed the full cost of each plan, or if they were placed in the lowest-cost plan by default (from which they could voluntarily switch), their chance of selecting the cheapest plan was much higher, upward of 75 percent in some experiments. Though some Medicare beneficiaries switch to lower-cost drug plans over time, another way consumers get stuck with bad deals is by staying in plans as their premiums increase, a status quo bias. One study found that New Jersey enrollees in Medicare prescription drug plans paid an average of $536 more over three years because of this kind of inertia. Some insurers strategically enter markets with low prices and increase them over time, exploiting consumers’ inertia. This “invest then harvest” pricing strategy has been observed in markets for Medicare Advantage plans, commercial health insurance and others. Providing consumers with easier access to cost comparison information can help. A study published in The Journal of Economics in 2012 found that when a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries got letters that compared prescription

Continued on page 20

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The idol has a wry, twinkly expression his followers say was similar to the guru’s in life.That’s funny, he seems to be saying, you thinking you can control everything. (The Washington Post)

Paying tribute: Of science and poetry ARACHI: The 233rd literary sitting of the Bazme Sciency Adab society brought to light the efforts of the late Azmat Ali Khan in the field of literature and science. Members of the literary circle and the Bazme Sciency Adab society discussed the publication of ‘Aitraf-e-Azmat’ and paid tribute to Khan.

Why consumers often err in choosing health plans by Austin Frakt

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Section 2

Young Life

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Six Indian Americans Named to AACSB’s ‘100 Influential Leaders’ by Sunita Sohrabji

ix Indian Americans are among eight South Asians joining former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Walmart founder Sam Walton on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’s inaugural list of “100 Influential Leaders.” “Throughout the past 100 years, business graduates can be found across all facets and Sabeen Ali, founder and CEO of AngelHack. (Photo: usfca.edu) levels of commerce — in large corporations, Subha Barry, vice president sumer. small business, the nonprofit industry, the public sector and and general manager of WorkDugar began his career by government alike — pioneer- ing Mother Media providing refurbished coming change, fostering global Subha Barry traveled from puters to low-income people exchange, and improving qual- India to the U.S. to attend Rice in India. Dugar is also the coity of life,” noted the AACSB, University’s Jones Gradu- founder of the non-profit orgain its announcement of the list ate School of Business. Her nization, Books to Read, which Sept. 22. AACSB profile states that in aims to help young children in “The story of how alumni an effort to overcome the social developing nations gain access have positively influenced stigma of leaving home unmar- to books with the goal of imsociety through their actions ried back in the early 1980s, proving literacy. Most recently, and ideas is one that should be she was determined to become Dugar ran a campaign which collected 100,000 books for told,” stated the Tampa, Flori- successful. children in Tanzania and Zamda-based organization, which After graduation, Barry joined will celebrate its centennial Merrill Lynch and worked with bia. next year. “If told, the success the corporation to recognize The entrepreneur is also a stories of all business school the investment needs of minor- founding member of Sandbox graduates would fill immeasur- ity populations, and built up its Network, a global community able volumes.” base of formerly under-repre- of young achievers and innovators committed to transforming “The Influential Leaders sented clients. ideas into action. Challenge recognizes business In 2001, Barry launched the schools for their work in de- Merrill Lynch’s multicultural Fiza Farhan, CEO of the veloping exceptional leaders business development group Buksh Foundation and industry innovators, and with a budget of $500,000. She Fiza Farhan, a graduate of the the 100 individuals announced built a global virtual team that today represent a global med- delivered over $8 billion in Warwick School of Business at ley of alumni, with diversity assets and $45 million in rev- the University of Warwick in across industry, background, enues within three years, rep- England, noticed that in Pakiposition, culture, gender and resenting female, South Asian, stan, her home country, the vast age,” said AACSB president Hispanic, African American, majority of low-income houseThomas Robinson in a press Native American, LGBT and holds as well as some rural hospitals used kerosene lamps for statement. disabled clients. lighting. “We congratulate our inauAt Merrill Lynch, Barry also According to the World Bank, gural group, and thank their implemented programs that adnominating schools for pro- dressed the attrition of women breathing kerosene fumes is the equivalent of smoking two viding both a solid business at senior levels. packets of cigarettes a day, and foundation, as well as the enBarry now heads up Working two-thirds of adult females couragement for all alumni to engender dramatic community Mother Media, which publishes with lung cancer in developing Working Mother magazine and nations are nonsmokers. Keroor social change,” he said. its website, the Working Moth- sene lamps are widely used AACSB-accredited colleges er Research Institute, the Na- across Asia and Africa despite were allowed to submit their tional Association for Female the fact that the smoke from nominations for the list from Executives, and Diversity Best them is responsible for acute April to June 2015. Practices. The six-time cancer respiratory infections like inIn alphabetical order, the list survivor remains on the front fluenza and pneumonia, and lines of the fight against cancer leads to the death of approxiincludes: mately two million children in Sabeen Ali, founder and through the Cancer Institute of developing nations each year, New Jersey, and also coaches CEO of AngelHack professionals diagnosed with according to the World Bank. Sabeen Ali, a graduate of the cancer who struggle to balance Farhan launched the Buksh University of San Francisco’s their health, life and work. Bar- Foundation in Pakistan in Masugung School of Manage- ry is the chair of the Rutgers 2013, with the aim of “lighting ment, has worked throughout Cancer Institute of New Jer- one million lives” through soher career to advocate for an sey Advisory Council, and she lar lamps purchased through a increased presence and vis- was honored with a Life Hero microfinance scheme. Since the ibility of women in technology. Award from the Val Skinner organization’s launch, 37,000 In addition to her role as CEO Foundation. households in 150 villages in of AngelHack, Ali has also Pakistan have been “electriKaushal Dugar, founder of founded the nonprofit organizafied.” tion Code For a Cause, which Teabox Farhan has partnered with Kaushal Dugar, who graduteaches women and young girls ated from the Singapore Man- USAID and Pakistani cricketer how to code. and politician Imran Khan to “Code is a universal language agement University Lee Kong set up solar charging stations Chian School of Business, is that it speaks to equality, beand shops for women in vilcause it does not reveal gender, credited with re-purposing the lages to sell the solar lamps. 200-year-old Indian tea industry race, or class in the end result,” “The impact has been amazsaid Ali in a press statement and leveraging technology and about the list. “Being an en- supply chains to build India’s ing. Babies are healthier, and trepreneur and possessing that first billion-dollar tea company. more survive birth thanks to spirit means finding the oppor- “We have successfully managed this scheme,” stated Farhan in tunities to advance within any to create a scalable, global brand her AACSB bio. “Also children in our three years of existence, can now read and study at night, environment,” she said. and we have shipped 20 million and the fear of fire has been reAngelHack’s mission is to cups of teas to customers in 75 moved, as the kerosene burned help corporate change-makers countries,” noted Dugar in his down many straw houses.” throughout the world drive AACSB bio. “This is something I could open innovation for products, The company has designed never have perceived; it is an platforms and brands by connecting them to the world’s an application that predicts immensely impactful but very hacker community. The com- the sorts of teas the purchaser scalable business model,” said pany’s outreach initiatives would choose, based on user the young social entrepreneur, are crafted to help corporate preferences and a complex al- who has also been listed in change-makers connect with gorithm. Teabox has cut out Forbes’ 30 under 30 list of the the “middleman,” shipping teas world’s young business leaders the workforce of the future. directly from producer to con-

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

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‘India is much safer now’: Rijiju assures India’s youth ‘Government is focusing on development’

ndia is much safer than it used to be,” said Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju at the India Today Mind Rocks Summit on Saturday in New Dehli. Addressing hundreds of young minds at a session titled ‘Politics as a 24X7 Profession, Why It’s Necessary’, Rijiju stressed on India’s development and how the Modi Government is working day and night to ensure better future for the citizens. “The Government is focusing so much on the country’s development. But sometimes, it is disheartening to see that discussions are not entirely focused on work. One thing I know is that the government is not going to deviate from its focus,” Rijiju said Meanwhile, the second speaker for the session, Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia brought the Dadri incident to the discussion table and asked why action was not taken against Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma over his controversial remarks. “If some minister is suggesting girls should not go out late, do you feel he is right? Mahesh Sharma visited Dadri and termed it a ‘minor’ incident. Was he right? Why there is no action against such people who are making statements which are not in favour of the public?” Scindia asked. “We should have the freedom to choose everything in our life. What we eat, speak and feel should be our own decision,” the Congress leader added. Rijiju, however, said: “We are not deciding on the personal choices of the people. It is the people who have to make the choices. We should not start a political debate here.” Bringing the concept of Walk the Talk, Scindia said: “When

tipped to make an impact on the world. Don Mohanlal, executive director of the National 4-H Council Don Mohanlal, a graduate of the Indian School of Business, has “been doing stellar youth development work in social spaces across the world, including the Balkans, the United States, India, China and over 110 countries,” noted the AACSB in its announcement of the list. Currently the director of the National 4-H Council, the U.S.’s largest youth development and mentoring organization, Mohanlal previously served as the executive vice president and managing director of the International Youth Foundation. The Foundation, funded by the W. Kellogg Foundation, is one of the most wellrecognized youth organizations in the world with affiliates in 60 countries. After the Kosovo War ended in 1999, Mohanlal partnered with President Martti Ahtissari of Finland, who had successfully mediated the end to that war, to establish the first Balkanwide organization, the Balkans Children and Youth Foundation. He has also established youth foundations in Germany, Slovakia, Poland and the Philippines. Mohanlal also set up the first

Teenager Naina Singh shared the tale of her transformation from Krishna to Naina at the India Today Mind Rocks event. (Photo: Mail Today) you have responsible people in power making irresponsible statements, you should take strict action against them. This is the era of walk the talk. Justify what you say.” On the rising incidents of award ‘wapsi’, MoS Rijiju said: “If the writers are inclined towards a political ideology, we cannot help them. If so-called liberal thinkers feel they are genuine, they should also understand that the Government has been dealing with such cases since many years. But there were no such issues earlier, so

international partnerships for youth development in Israel, Jordan and Palestine, and assembled a coalition of youth organizations to lead one of the largest youth-related HIV/ AIDS-prevention programs in Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Mohanlal also serves as the vice chair at the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation, based in India. The foundation aims to substantially reduce poverty in India, and focuses on marginalized communities with an emphasis on women and children. M.R. (Madhavan) Rangaswami, co-founder of the Sand Hill Group M.R. Rangaswami, a graduate of Kent State University’s College of Business Administration, held global VP of marketing positions at Oracle, Avalon Software and Baan Company before founding the Sand Hill group in 1997. “As an early angel investor in Silicon Valley, he passionately mentored successful IT startups. “His capability to determine which firms had capacity to succeed as well as his handson work with startup principals created a new model for launching technology startups around the world,” noted the AACSB, adding: “Rangaswami’s work as an angel investment innova-

why now?” he asked. Scindia, meanwhile, said: “The problem with the BJP lens is that they always see a conspiracy when there is none. Because it has never happened before, you condemn the fact that it has happened now.” Lastly, focusing on national integration, Rijiju said: “We can have difference in opinions but we should not have difference in serving the nation. There should be no organised campaign against the country.” (The Mail Today)

tor has impacted the landscape of startup financing, fueling the growth of high-tech entrepreneurship.” In 2004, his Sand Hill Group launched The Software Conference Series, which has annually brought together the biggest names in the information technology industry to explore future changes in IT and their potential impact on the business community. In 2008, inspired by his interviews with more than 70 global business leaders, he founded the Corporate Eco Forum to create a neutral space where senior business leaders gather annually to strategize and exchange best-practice insights to accelerate sustainable business innovation. In 2011, Rangaswami cohosted the NASSCOM Product Conclave, which brought together thousands of IT entrepreneurs and experts throughout India to teach them how to raise money and sell and market their products and services. To date, more than 5,000 entrepreneurs have gone through this annual program. The San Francisco, Calif.based investor is also the founder of Indiaspora, a nonprofit organization to support the wellbeing of Indians and Indian Americans and their movement to positions of influence across the world. (India West)

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Section 2

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Bollywood Masala

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Indian superstar Shah Rukh Still chasing dreams at 50

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India cricketer Harbhajan Singh marries actress Geeta Basra Wedding attended by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and wife Anjali ALANDHAR - Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Thursday tied the nuptial knot with longtime girlfriend Geeta Basra in a gurudwara in Jalandhar.

While the groom looked dapper in an off-white sherwani and red turban, the bride was looking resplendent in a traditional red and gold lehenga. The wedding was attended by some close relatives and friends, including cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and wife Anjali.

UMBAI - Arms spread wide, hair gently ruffled by the breeze, dimpled smile and a song on his lips, the trademark pose of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan belies his 50 years as he promises his millions of fans in India and abroad that there is more to come. Shah Rukh’s fan base extends to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia and Iran “I decided that from the age of 50-55, I want to do 15 very nice films and that will include popular films, offbeat films, mad films and many more … I want to do as many films as possible before I die,” Khan was quoted as saying recently by IANS news agency. A Delhi boy with a passion for acting, Khan landed in Mumbai like so many others hoping to make it in Bollywood and went

roles in a series of romantic films including the smash hit Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ, The Brave-hearted Will Take Away the Bride, 1995), which marked its 20th year of continuous shows in a Mumbai theatre this year. In a decade spanning more than two decades, Khan has acted in over 80 films – many of them runaway successes including Dil to Pagal Hai (The Heart is Mad, 1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Something, Something Happens, 1998) and Chennai Express (2013). Khan’s romantic films, including DDLJ, often follow a boy-meets-girl plot where the woman’s family is at first unhappy but eventually won over by the charming hero. The films are often partly set in India, partly abroad and have a large following at home

“It’s been (in)famously said that Shah Rukh Khan is the sum total of five expressions. He’s been accused of overacting, hamming,” film critic Suparna Sharma wrote. “While that may be true, Shah Rukh Khan is still a superstar. He has the power to connect with every member of the audience individually,” she said in an email to dpa. “He emotes, yet he can make you cry, laugh and fall in love with a girl. He can make fans feel the intensity of love and longing, facilitating the most vicarious role play for two-anda-half hours.”

Earlier, a mehendi and sangeet ceremony were also held at 35-year-old Harbhajan’s family home. The high-profile reception is slated for November 1 in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also ex-

Harbhajan Singh poses with his wife Geeta Basra during their marriage ceremony. (Photo: AFP)

pected to grace the occasion.

likely to attend the reception in the capital.

Apart from his Team India teammates like Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachhan, Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra are also

Harbhajanand Geeta, who has acted in several Hindi and Punjabi films, have had a five years of courtship before they took the marital plunge.

Deepika Padukone on Wage Gap in Bollywood, Roles in Hollywood Films said. Deepika, who was apparently offered the hugely popular Fast And The Furious, had something else in mind. “I was offered my first film way before I actually did my first film in Bollywood. But I waited for the right film and the right time so I wouldn’t deny that there hasn’t been interest but I think I will do it when I am ready,” said Deepika.

In an industry where most of the successful actors of the past decade are second-generation Bollywood kids, Khan broke through without any mentors and rose right to the top.

The actress also spoke out about the gender pay disparity in Bollywood. ollywood actor Ranveer Singh thinks that his ‘good friend,’ actress Deepika Padukone is ready for a role in a Hollywood film. At the MAMI Mela in Mumbai on Saturday, Ranveer said Deepika should do ‘all the summer blockbusters’ that had been offered to her.

“I think with your talent you are now ready for the west. You should do all the summer blockbusters that have been offered to you. Work with someone like Woody Allen,” he

Shah Rukh Khan with his family - daughter Suhana, son Aryan and wife Gauri. on to become one of the biggest success stories of India’s hyperactive film factory that churns out hundreds of movies annually. After dabbling in television serials in the late 1980s, Khan’s first film Deewana (Crazy in Love) was released in 1992. Stardom followed fast with

and overseas, among the Indian diaspora and others. Khan’s popularity is evident in the 15 million likes and daily expressions of adulation by fans on his Facebook page. His fan base extends to Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as Russia and Iran, but not to every critic even locally.

He had several flops in the mid-90s, but resurrected himself and has had six consecutive hits since 2009. The domestic box-office collections of his movies from 2000 to 2014 stand at Rs14.72 billion (about $226 million). “Who is the world’s biggest movie star? Brad? Will? Nah.

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“I am not unhappy with what I am being paid. For me its important that I do good work. Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir have been around for so long. They are in a different league. But I think there should be some semblance when it comes to the current generation of stars,” said Deepika. “I was talking to a male co-star and he said that instead of increasing the payment for female stars the men should decrease their remuneration but it was just a conversation,” she quipped. (NDTV)

His name is Shah Rukh Khan, and he’s the king of Bollywood,” international Newsweek magazine wrote in 2008.

estimated to be $26 million by Forbes in 2015 and it ranked him as the world’s 18th most highly paid actor.

Today Khan is much more than an actor – the media calls him Brand SRK. He does endorsements worth millions of rupees every year for two dozen products including Tag Heuer watches, Hyundai cars, and Indian telecom company Airtel.

He is also co-chairman of production company Red Chillies Entertainment and co-owner of Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders.

His personal earnings were

Khan, a Muslim, married his sweetheart of six years Gauri Chibber in 1991 in a Hindu ceremony. The actor prides himself in the syncretic culture in

his home where the Koran sits alongside Hindu idols. The home, in superstar style, is a palatial white mansion in Mumbai where Khan lives with his wife and three kids – two sons and a daughter. Sharma says 50 for Khan (his birthday falls on (Nov. 2) and his fans is just a number. “He is one of the most intelligent, forthright, political of the actors we have today. He’ll reinvent himself.” (dpa Online)

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VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING VOICE OF ASIA

Section 2

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6 ways to prevent stroke and disability by living a healthy lifestyle by Lecia Bushak

Drinking a glass of wine or beer per day is a sign of healthy moderation — but anything more than that can trigger some long-term, chronic problems to develop.

troke is one of the biggest health problems in the U.S. — it’s the fifth leading cause of death in the nation and costs the American health care system some $34 billion every year. Each year, over 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke; up to 80 percent of them are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked. If they survive, many stroke patients live with disabilities afterward, from language and speech problems to paralysis.

6. Relax

Working out for two hours every week, reducing alcohol intake, smoking cessation, and a healthy diet will all lower your risk of stroke. (Photo: Pixabay, public domain) and depression. 1. Stop Smoking

With such serious issues leading from stroke, we wonder whether it’s preventable. The short answer is yes — to an extent. While the biggest risk factors for stroke are age, gender (men are more likely to have a stroke than women), race, and genetics/family history, there are plenty of preventable risk factors for stroke as well. A new study out of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) examines how half of strokes could be prevented by altering your lifestyle and following the six steps below. “Stroke is a devastating disease but we know that around 50 percent of strokes could be prevented,” John Camm, a professor of clinical cardiology at St. George’s University in London and an author of the study, said in the press release. If you want to lower your risk of stroke, the researchers advise to follow the following six steps. They’re all part of a common sense healthy lifestyle, but the sooner you begin living them, the more protected you’ll be — not only from stroke, but an array of other chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity,

It goes without saying that if you’re going to adapt a healthy lifestyle, nixing the cigarettes may be the first step. Tobacco has been linked to various forms of cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other health problems. Smoking can raise triglycerides in your blood, lower your “good” HDL cholesterol, damage blood vessel lining, and narrow your blood vessels to prevent blood from getting through. Smoking can also cause blood clots, which would block blood from reaching the heart. 2. Exercise A recent study found that working out for two hours every week reduced a woman’s risk of stroke by 50 percent. The evidence says it all: Staying physically active will improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure — both of which are greatly related to stroke risk. 3. Maintain A Healthy Weight Preventing obesity and working out go hand in hand. Being overweight or obese has been linked to a greater risk

Preventing Alzheimer’s with lifestyle changes by Dr. Michael Greger

t’s safe to say that Alzheimer’s disease research is in a “state of crisis.” For the past two decades, over 73,000 research articles have been published, averaging 100 papers per day, yet little clinical progress has been made. The reason a cure may be im-

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of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke — due to the various ways the condition wreaks havoc on nearly every part of your body. Calculate your healthy weight based on your height, or talk to your doctor about a healthy weight range for your body. 4. Eat Well Research has shown that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and fish, can reduce the risk of stroke significantly. The Mediterranean diet in particular — olive oil, salmon, cruciferous vegetables, whole wheats and grains, and legumes — can not only lower your risk of stroke, but improve many other aspects of your health as well, from cognitive function to mental health. Foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium, on the other hand, can take their toll on your blood vessels and heart. 5. Drink Alcohol In Moderation According to the Stroke Association, “regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol greatly increases your risk of stroke.” Drinking a lot of booze leads to high blood pressure, weight gain, and can damage your liver. It can also contribute to atrial fibrillation. sonality is lost forever?

possible is because lost cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease patients are due to fatally damaged neuronal networks, and dead nerve cells cannot be brought back to life. Consequently, replacement with new brain cells—even if it were technically possible, cannot be done without creating a new personal identity. One may live, but is it really a cure if their per-

Developing drugs that try to clear out the plaques from advanced degenerated brain tissue therefore makes about as much sense as bulldozing tombstones from graveyards in an attempt to raise the dead. Even if drug companies figured out how to further disease progression, many Alzheimer’s victims might not choose to live without being able to recognize family, friends or themselves in a mirror. Thus, prevention of Alzheimer’s seems to be the key. Alzheimer’s disease, like heart attacks or strokes, need to be prevented by controlling vascular risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, controlling what’s called “chronic

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“I strongly advise adopting a healthier lifestyle and visiting your doctor to find out which risk factors you have that need attention,” Camm said in the press release. For example, women with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, are more prone to stroke due to high blood pressure and a greater risk of diabetes, depression, and obesity. Getting cardiovascular health checked out could help women lower their stroke risk better. Other risk factors that go into stroke include birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, hormone changes during menopause, and pregnancy-associated diabetes, and preeclampsia, Camm notes. Other studies have found that air pollution is linked to a greater risk of stroke as well. But if you’re trying to make a difference today, start with the six steps that are in your control. Your body will thank you for it later. (Medical Daily) brain hypoperfusion,” the lack of adequate blood flow to the brain over the years before the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This means a healthy diet, physical exercise and mental exercise. Many are the potential number of Alzheimer’s cases which can be prevented every year in the United States if we could just reduce diabetes rates 10 percent or 25 percent, since diabetes is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. And so is high blood pressure, depression, not exercising your body, smoking and not exercising your brain. Altogether, a small reduction in all of these risk factors could potentially prevent hundreds of thousands of devastated families. If modifiable factors such as diet were found conclusively to modulate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease to the degree suggested by this research, then we would all indeed rejoice at the

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those seven risk factors, and that’s not even including diet, because there were so many dietary factors they couldn’t fit them into their model. (Care2. com)

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As you probably know by now, Obamacare imposes a penalty on individuals who fail to have a certain level of health insurance coverage for any month of the year. This requirement is commonly called the individual mandate, and the penalty is the cost of noncompliance. The bad news is the penalty can be considerably more expensive in 2016. If you don’t yet have coverage for next year, you may need to quickly sign up to avoid getting socked with the penalty. The Obamacare open enrollment period starts on Nov. 1. Here’s the rest of what you need to know. Penalty basics Unless you are exempt, you will owe the penalty if you do not have minimum essential coverage for yourself and your dependents. Minimum essential coverage includes certain government sponsored programs (such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and TRICARE), eligible employer-sponsored plans, plans obtained in the individual marketplace, certain grandfathered group plans, and certain other coverage specified by the Feds. However, if you fit into one of the following categories, you will be exempt from the penalty for next year. • Your 2016 household income is below the federal income tax return filing threshold (generally $10,350 for singles, $20,700 for married joint-filing couples, and $13,350 for heads of households). • You are considered to lack access to affordable minimum essential coverage. For example, coverage under an employer-sponsored plan is considered unaffordable if your required monthly contribution for self-only coverage exceeds 9.56% of household income. • You suffered a hardship in obtaining coverage. To qualify for this exception, you should obtain a hardship exception certificate issued by the health insurance marketplace that operates in your state. • You have only a shortterm coverage gap. • You qualify for an exception on religious grounds or have coverage through a health-care sharing ministry. • You are not a U.S. citizen or national.

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India’s Business Hero, Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Dies At 92

Draft proposals exchanged at trade policy forum by Nayanima Basu

EW DELHI - The US government has again pushed India to expedite negotiations on the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

rijmohan Lall Munjal, chairman emeritus of Bombay Stock Exchange-listed Hero MotoCorp, maker of the popular Hero range of motorcycles and scooters, died Sunday after a brief illness. He was 92. His close to 35% stake in Hero, which he shared with his children, earned him a spot among India’s richest. In October, the patriarch featured at Number 27 on Forbes Asia’s India Rich List with a family fortune of $3 billion.

In 1984, Hero made the leap into producing motorcycles by forging a joint venture with Honda Motor . Their Hero Honda partnership went on to overtake entrenched market leader Bajaj Auto , controlled by billionaire Rahul Bajaj, to become India’s biggest motorcycle maker. After 27 years, Hero, run by Munjal’s son Pawan, broke ties with the Japanese firm in 2011 renaming their company Hero MotoCorp. While it now competes with Honda, Hero has

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Munjal was born in 1923 in what was then an undivided Punjab state, but at age 20 moved with his family to Amritsar. The Munjals then shifted to Ludhiana, a city that was to become the base of their business ventures. Munjal, who never went to college, started making bicycle components before securing a license to make bicycles. Along with his three brothers, he built Hero Cycles into the world’s largest maker of bicycles.

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

According to an USTR statement: “India took note of US concerns with the recently published guidelines on management control in the sector. Both countries agreed to continue to engage on this issue, to ensure that insurance companies can take full advantage

them to extend the benefit to us,” said Sitharaman.

of this new market opening.”

50 per cent of the H1-B and L-1 professional visas. These workers make yearly contributions of about $2 billion towards the US social security system. However, by the US norms, they need to complete 10 years there for being eligible to enjoy the benefits of this contribution.

The US looked “forward to further engagement on this issue,” the USTR said. Indian workers account for almost 50 per cent of employmentbased US green cards and 40-

The issue came up for discussion at the ninth round of the US-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in Washington on Thursday. Draft proposals were exchanged, said Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the cochair with US Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman. “They (US) wanted us to have a detailed talk on it. The treaty is awaiting Cabinet clearance,” Sitharaman said after the meeting. Discussions 2008.

Brijmohan Lall, left, with son Pawan (AP Photo/ Gurinder Osan) held on to its position as India’s biggest maker of two-wheelers with a 50% market share. The patriarch had long handed over operational charge to his sons, Pawan and Sunil, and last June retired as chairman, ceding spot to Pawan. A people’s person, he maintained strong relations with Hero’s vendors and dealers, attending their family weddings and supporting them during crises. Many years ago I had asked

Munjal how he had managed to keep his sprawling family together as the business grew. He’d replied patiently that the secret was in keeping things “equal” in both the business and personal spheres; for example, the four brothers had similar houses and owned the same cars. Alas, that was not to last. The Munjal clan remained tight until five years ago when the patriarch orchestrated a family division that gave his faction control of the motorcycle venture. His brother Om

started

The US also expressed concern on control and ownership in the insurance sector. They have praised the steps taken by the Government of India to raise the limit of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector to 49 per cent from 26 per cent earlier. However, they do not like the fact that this will not ensure more management control. Apparently, many American insurance firms wish to enter India but want greater ownership and control. Prakash Munjal, who died in August, took charge of the bicycle firm. The third generation of the Munjals are now involved in the Hero Group. Brijmohan’s two grandsons run Hero’s fi-

India raised the issue of concluding the long-pending totalisation agreement. For this, the US will have to amend its laws, which do not allow temporary foreign workers to claim the contributions they make towards the US’ social security scheme. “They say as long as we do not have a comparable social security cover in India, they think it may not be fair for nance arm and a green energy venture. In a Facebook post, Amit Chandra, managing director, Bain Capital said: “He truly was Corporate India’s Hero. Was such a pleasure to know

As a result, workers going there for work for a short period are not able to bring back their contributions. (The Business Standard) this legend who only had good things to say about everyone in every situation.” In a tribute in the Times of India newspaper, motorcycle magnate Bajaj said that “I have lost a person whom I called my Guru”. (Forbes)

India becomes world’s 7th most valued ‘nation brand’; US on top

EW DELHI: India has moved up one position to become the world’s seventh most valued ‘nation brand’, with an increase of 32 per cent in its brand value to $2.1 billion. The US remains on the top with a valuation of $19.7 billion, followed by China and Germany at the second and the third positions respectively, as per the annual report on world’s most valuable nation brands compiled by Brand Finance. However, the surge of 32 per cent in India’s ‘nation brand value’ is the highest among all the top-20 countries on the list. China has retained its second position despite a decline of one per cent in its brand value to $6.3 billion. Brand Finance said it measures the strength and value of

the nation brands of 100 leading countries using a method based on the royalty relief mechanism employed to value the world’s largest companies. The nation brand valuation is based on five year forecasts of sales of all brands in each nation and follows a complex process. The Gross domestic product (GDP) is used as a proxy for total revenues. The report also said that India’s ‘Incredible India’ slogan has worked well, while Germany suffered due to the Volkswagen crisis. About the US, the report said it remains a powerful brand with an inviting business climate. “However its value comes in large part from the country’s sheer economic scale... The US’ world-leading higher education system and the soft power arising from its domi-

nance of the music and entertainment industries are significant contributors too. “This soft power will help the US to retain the most valuable nation brand for some time after China’s seemingly imminent rise to become the world’s biggest economy,” it added. The study further said that China’s recent stock market turbulence and slowing growth will also extend the US’ tenure of the top spot. Among Brics nations, India is the only country to have witnessed an increase in its brand value with all others — Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa — seeing a dip in their respective brand valuations. India is the second most valued among these emerging economies after China, followed by Brazil, Russia and South Africa. (PTI)

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Christian persecution spikes in Pakistan, prompting calls for US to exert pressure

iolence against Christians is on the rise in Pakistan, where a disturbing trend of attacks by Islamist fanatics has made life inside the U.S. ally hell for religious minorities. The 97-percent Muslim nation that straddles the Middle East and Asia is one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, according to an annual report published last month by the State Department following calls by the U.S. Center for International Religious Freedom to include the country in its list of “Countries

by police.” “The government’s general failure to investigate, arrest, or prosecute those responsible for societal abuses promoted an environment of impunity that fostered intolerance and acts of violence,” the report said. “In numerous cases during the year, authorities failed to protect victims of religiously motivated mob violence.” The IRF report -- required by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 -- comes after a string of recent high-profile crimes against

Suicide bombers struck outside a historic church in northwestern Pakistan in 2013, in the deadliest-ever attack on the country’s Christian minority. (AP) of Particular Concern.” “Pakistan is on record as having one of the world’s worst and most widely abused blasphemy laws, which has resulted in abuse of the law through false accusations that prosper under a system of impunity,” Tiffany Barrans, international legal director for the American Center for Law & Justice, told FoxNews.com. “Blasphemy accusations have resulted not only in the destruction of the lives of the accused but have often been at the root of the destruction of entire Christian communities.” The State Department’s Oct. 14 International Religious Freedom (IRF) report submitted to Congress said that in 2014, government policies in Pakistan, “did not afford equal protection to members of majority and minority religious groups, and due to discriminatory legislation, minorities often were afraid to profess freely their religious beliefs. Media and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) reported killings of religious minorities

Christians in the Islamic country -- including the gang rape last month of a deaf Christian woman inside her home in the Kasur district of Punjab. Three Muslim men reportedly entered the home, while other male family members were at work, and attacked the woman who screamed for mercy. One suspect, Muhammad Umar, was reportedly arrested, while the other two men remain at large. The woman’s family hired Christian lawyer, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, who runs an advocacy group that offers free legal assistance to Pakistani Christians and other minorities persecuted for their religion. Gill told Fides news agency that it is difficult to prosecute such cases in Pakistan, saying, “Often in these cases the police take no action or, worse, side with the rapists.” In October, a Christian brideto-be, Nabila Bibi, was abducted by a Muslim man in Pakistan and forcibly converted to Islam. In May, a mob of Muslims burned Christian homes and a

church and threatened to kill people after a mentally ill man was accused of burning pages of the Koran in one Pakistani town. And last year, a young, pregnant Christian woman and her Christian husband were burned to death by a Muslim mob in the Punjab province for committing blasphemy. Religious rights groups say the deadly attacks in Pakistan are especially alarming because the Islamic country is a major recipient of U.S. assistance.

ATHMANDU - Protesters and the Nepalese police clashed near the border with India on Monday, in violence that left an Indian man dead and threatened to further complicate a political and economic crisis in Nepal. The police in the border town of Birgunj fired on protesters belonging to the ethnic Madhesi population who have been agitating against a recently passed Constitution, saying it would dilute their political voice.

About 5 a.m. on Monday, the police said, they cleared a number of tents and protesters from a bridge near Birgunj in a no man’s land between the two countries, where the demonstrators had been staging a sit-in for over a month. More than 200 trucks that had been stranded in Nepal crossed into India afterward, but none of the hundreds filled with cooking gas and merchandise stranded in India made their way into Nepal. By late morning, about 500 protesters had converged in Birgunj, the police said. The demonstrators pelted security

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After a devastating earthquake in Pakistan

On Monday, Oct. 26, a powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. Estimated at 7.5 on the Richter scale, the earthquake devastated homes and schools, and even cracked glaciers in a nearby mountain range. More than 360 people are known to have died so far, and the death toll is likely to rise. The portraits of victims and survivors were shot by AP photographer Mohammad Sajjad outside a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, near the epicenter of the quake.

“As a country that receives considerable aid from the United States, blame for the continued failure to protect religious minorities in Pakistan lies both on the Pakistani Government and the U.S. Government,” Barrans said. “Our foreign policy toward Pakistan has failed in the most basic form - to utilize the leverage of aid to ensure protection for the persecuted minorities,” she noted. “As the world faces the largest refugee migration in history, many of who flee from religious persecution, the United States would be wise to pressure Pakistan and other governments through conditional benchmarks in our aid packages. A failure to do otherwise is unacceptable and reflects a squandering of a very valuable tool in the U.S. toolbox against extremism.” The State Department in July 2014 designated nine nations as CPCs under IRFA: Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The U.S. Center for International Religious Freedom released its annual report in April 2015, recommending these countries be re-designated as CPCs, and also called for eight additional designations: Central African Republic, Egypt, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. “The IRF Report is a comprehensive resource documenting religious freedom violations in almost 200 countries and territories and highlighting some of the thousands of prisoners of conscience who languish unjustly in prisons around the world solely because of their religion or belief,” USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George said following the release of the State Department’s report.

One dead as protesters and police clash in Nepal by Deepak Adhikari and Nida Najar

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

forces with stones, set fire to the office of a nongovernmental organization on the border and attacked a village police post, said Raju Babu Shrestha, the superintendent of police in Parsa District. “At this point, we began to fire tear gas shells to control the crowd,” Mr. Shrestha said. “As the protesters continued attacking us, we fired bullets.” The Indian man who was killed, Ashish Kumar Ram, was in his early 20s and from Raxaul, on the Indian side of the border, Mr. Shrestha said. (The New York Times)

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Bangladesh publishers burn books in protest at killing of secularists Hundreds protest in Dhaka against perceived government inaction, following hacking to death of publisher at weekend

HAKA - Demonstrations have continued over fatal attacks on secular writers and publishers in Bangladesh suspected to have been carried out by hardline Islamists, with books burned and businesses closed in protest. Hundreds of people, including writers, publishers and bookshop owners, took to the streets of the capital, Dhaka, on Monday to protest against what they said was government inaction over a string of attacks, including the murder on Saturday of a publisher of secular books. “This is not an isolated incident. They first started killing authors, then the bloggers and now they’ve targeted the publishers,” Mustafa Selim, head of the Bangladesh Creative Publishers Society, told reporters. Rallies were also held in other cities and towns to demand more protection for publishers, bloggers and writers, some of whom have fled the country or gone into hiding. “The people who have so far fallen victim to the attacks are thinking people, those who believe in freedom of expression, and those who believe in secular values. A series of killings have taken place but now the focus is on publishers ... I feel absolutely traumatised,” said Mohiuddin Ahmed, a publisher in Dhaka. Fears of Islamic extremist violence have been rising in mainly moderate Muslimmajority Bangladesh after four atheist bloggers were murdered by machete-wielding attackers this year. Two foreigners – an Italian aid worker and a Japanese farmer – have also been killed,

Plans Continued from page 15 tion drug plan costs, they were more likely to switch plans and to save money, relative to nonrecipients. When pharmacy students helped California Medicare beneficiaries understand drug plan costs, 60 percent switched plans. Few consumers get this much help. When researchers at the University of Pennsylvania examined the Obamacare online marketplaces last year, they

Writers and publishers have set fire to books in protest after the killing of Faisal Arefin Dipan in Dhaka by suspected Islamists. (Photo: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Zuma Press/Corbis) while Dhaka’s main shrine for the small local Shia Muslim minority was bombed last month, killing two people and wounding dozens.

main secular bastion.

While it was believed to be the first attack on Shia Muslims in Bangladesh, in the past two years banned Islamic militant groups have killed more than a dozen Sufi Muslims and attacked Hindus and Christians.

“The murderers should be caught as soon as possible. There must be an end to this nightmare,” publisher Farid Ahmed, who received a death threat in a text message on Sunday, told the AFP news agency.

The killing of foreigners has worried the country’s expatriate community and threatened its fragile economy, which is heavily reliant on foreign aid and a $25bn (£16bn) garment industry making clothing for international brands.

On Saturday, a gang of suspected Islamists armed with machetes and cleavers hacked Faisal Arefin Dipan to death in his publishing office in the capital. Two secular bloggers and another publisher were also badly injured in a similar attack hours earlier in their Dhaka office.

Responsibility for the attack on the Italian aid worker was quickly claimed by Islamic State, but the Bangladeshi government denied the extremist militant group had any presence in the country. After staging protests on Saturday night and Sunday, secular activists including hundreds of teachers, writers and students also resumed their rallies at Dhaka University, the nation’s

found only a few that provided some of the tools consumers need. Most marketplaces presented plans in order of the cost of the premium, which doesn’t take other cost sharing into account. (However, California ranked plans according to total cost, Kentucky listed them randomly, and Minnesota ranked them based on best match according to a series of preference questions, similar in spirit to an approach recommended by University of California, Berkeley economists in a recent Brookings policy paper.) Only three states offered cost

Atheist blogger Avijit Roy ‘was not just a person … he was a movement’

Ahmed Sikder Loton, president of Bangladesh Book Sellers and Publishers Association, said his organisation had observed a “silent protest” across the country to protest against the killing of the publishers. “Tomorrow these attacks may be on readers. We must protest against this injustice.” (The Guardian)

estimators. The federal government’s site, HealthCare.gov, will offer more information about plans — like which physicians are in plan networks — and cost comparison tools. If last year is any guide, once again few consumers will actively shop for a more beneficial plan. An analysis by the Department of Health and Human Services showed that more than 70 percent could have found a cheaper plan. The research is clear: Most won’t find that cheaper plan without a great deal more help. (The New York Times)

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

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HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of November 6, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

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

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April You will have no problem finding ways to get others interested in what you are doing. Organize events that require endurance. Spend time with those who have similar interests & morals. Channel your energy into making money. Debates will bring distance between you and your friends. You will be tempted to overspend, so leave money in the bank. You will gain respect and close deals by being your charming self. Don’t let anyone take you for granted. Don’t spend more than you can afford to part with.

You will be able to fit into new situations & surroundings. Your willingness to confide in others could get you in a little trouble. Think twice before sharing information. You may not think it’s very important, but it could be to someone else. Use discretion, and avoid saying too much. You sometimes feel like you have to do a balancing act. It’s okay to feel the security you have in your relationships, just be aware of deceit. Take this attitude wherever you go.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May You certainly are a master when it comes to learning the things that interest you, but a daydreamer when forced to listen to boring, tedious chatter. You are quick to respond and always willing to help others. You will be upset with those who don’t pull their weight, remain cool but don’t allow yourself to be used. You are used to giving your all and will be ready to blow up if you are forced to deal with lazy and inconsiderate individuals. . Get sound financial advice, your cautious nature will help you to make the right choices.

The realization that you need the love & attention of others. You’re disciplined enough to accomplish anything you want. Rid yourself of bad habits. Problems with other person in your family may be alarming. You should do things that involve family reunions. Get yourself into projects that will enhance your appearance and help you change your selfimage. Be careful not to manipulate a situation to your own liking. Your emotions are frenzied. Opportunities to meet interesting people will help you to broaden your horizons.

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Your ability to make connections that help you discover who you are and what your goals are. Do the best you can and try to enlist some help from other friends or relatives. Helping others will be rewarding to you. Uncertainties regarding finances may upset you. Take a stab at doing your own thing or take time off to discover what you really want to do. Don’t take on other people’s problems. Make suggestions and get on with your own life. By week’s end, things will start to turn in your favor.

You need to communicate clearly & effectively. A misunderstanding at this time may have big repercussions, which you would love to set right if only you could understand exactly what is going on! Being stubborn will only work against you. You will be in a position to help others. Give advice but hold back if they want cash. Get on with your life. New attitudes will develop through the company you keep. Take your time before making decisions. Re-direct any jangling nerves into some physical exercise if possible.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Lucrative business opportunities are likely. Take the plunge and get involved in a joint venture. Avoid detail-oriented tasks, try to work with others as much as possible. Try a little idea-generation and offer your assistance to colleagues. Don’t say things that may come back to haunt you. Personal problems will play on your mind. You must be willing to move on and let go of the past if you wish to get over the unpleasantness you’ve experienced. Your overhead may be causing undue stress that you can do without.

You will be ruled out with high emotion & excitement. You could feel overwhelmed or overly sensitive, unable to make a move, but you can rise to fly again, perhaps higher than ever before. Positive flow from member of the opposite sex will set you into motion. Your motives could be challenged by those in authority. Your rewards are long overdue. You will be able to achieve success, if you trust your gut feelings & remain loyal to your principles. Your universal appeal will help you dazzle even the dullest audience.

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

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August You need to get away from reality, sometimes. Take care of all the fine details and you will receive the praise you are looking for. You should lay your cards on the table and let those you care about know where you stand. You can get ahead financially, however the emotional side of your life may be more difficult. You’ll be able to organize functions at work and earn the admiration of higher ups. A raise or promotion may be in order. You’ll gain admiration for your honest, direct approach.

A mixture of energy from your emotional moods, Special feelings about traditions, relationships & a new interest in financial opportunities will surface. You can start your own traditions, make plans, include everybody close to your heart. The support will give you the confidence you lack. Try to remove excess stress wherever possible, your loved ones will notice the difference, if you do. You’re not a great fan of detail but you need to focus your time properly. You could feel frustrated, or even feel personally criticized.

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

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Make a difference, You know how to listen to the problems facing family members. Your experience and know-how will help them get back on track. Those experiences will provide insight and awareness that will come in handy in your day-to-day life. Satisfaction will be your reward. Financial investments will also be lucrative. You can persuade others to support your plans for the future. You will not be in a position to proposition others. Consider your personal needs before your professional ones.

Your sense of timing & luck. Your universal appeal will make you very popular. You may find yourself in the public eye. A simple observation can provoke a strong response. You’ll need to have emotional contact with others. Even though your friends tend to show off their assets, you must keep a close eye on your budget. Best not to discuss your future plans with one who lacks your vision & imagination. Don’t allow them to dampen your enthusiasm.

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.

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Visit our website www.karanika.net

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(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

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visit us at : www.mdassociatescpas.com

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015

Team Player Seeking a Motivated Team Player who can work well in a small, fast paced company environment. Responsibilities can include order taking, order dispatch, data entry, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and providing support to other roles. A 4 year college degree preferred. Please send your resume to:

afshic@gmail.com

Photo Credit: Think Thoda Hatke

VETERANS DAY FACTS Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day–a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. VETERANS DAY FACTS

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• In 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. • In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. The law went into effect in 1971, but in 1975 President Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11, due to the important historical significance of the date. • Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11. VETERANS STATS The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the current veteran population of the United States.

This is our Classiﬁeds Section 713-774-5140 Sell anything! From Garage Sales to Selling a Business Call us. Nothing is too trivial.

VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, November 6, 2015