Voice of Asia e paper September 2 2016

VOICE OF ASIA 1

VOICE OF ASIA 28years yearsof ofdedicated dedicatedservice serviceto tothe thecommunity community 29

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Vol. 29 No. 36 Friday, September 2, 2016 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

VOICE OF ASIA 2

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

SO LU LY TE

E

L���

E FR

He�l��

AB

U O Y RE !

A TED I V IN

WELLNESS EXPO

Empowering families to live healthy lives through education Get to know Healthcare and Insurance Providers on a one-on-one basis.

WHEN: Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM September 17, 2016 WHERE: STAFFORD CENTRE - 20,000 sq.ft hall 10505 Cash Rd, (corner by Murphy Rd). Stafford, TX 77477

Part of our proceeds will go to benefit H.O.P.E non-profit organization to help Autistic children live better lives.

The most convenient place with easy access from major highways like 59, Main 90 and highway 6.

FREE Services

For details, please call: 713-774-5140 or Email: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

HEALTH SCREENING & LEARNING EVENTS • Autism • Blood Pressure Check • Bone Marrow Drive • Cancer • Dental Care • Diabetes screening • Eating Healthy / Nutrition • End of Life Planning • Eye Test / Screening • Healthcare Insurance • Learn about Home Healthcare • Life Insurance • Lupus Awareness • Mental Health • Treat and Manage Pain • Wellness with Ayurveda

Take control of your health. Come and listen to what experts say: • Breast Cancer- Prevention and Treatment • Abuse of Drugs among Youth, what parents need to know. Do not wait until it it too late.

• Understand Autism, Detecting Autism in Early Childhood.

• Stroke awareness. It happens with no warning signs.

• Weight loss. Obesity is the mother of other diseases.

• Awareness on Lupus.

• How to live a healthy life.

• Hospice Care - healthcare for final days of life.

• Sleep hygiene is very Important, but neglected.

Win Door Prizes Every 30 Minutes - Up to $500

• Amzer • Beauty Pro-clip Hair Salon Gift cards • Britannia • Deep Foods • Escalante’s Sugar Land Restaurant • Greatwood Smiles • Nex Gen Radio • Prime Laser Center • Swasth Yoga

Stafford Fire Department Safety Display

Sponsors

Participants

Meet and Greet Houston Police Department

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Access Health Aetna Health Insurance Ace Pain Management American Eyes Optical Ayush Wave Ayurveda Delta Life Bootcamp DGN Factory Distinctive Life Cremation Evolutionary Eye Care Fort Bend Corrective Center Ft. Bend Regional Council Goswami Kids Activity Center Grand Canyon University HBA Medical Station HealthLife 360

• • • • • •

HOPE Autism Non-Profit Houston Area Parkinson’s Society Houston Community College Houston Police Department Home Instead Senior Care Houston Hospice

• Houston Institute of Neurology for Kids • IACAN • IBN SINA Foundation • ICON Bank • India Caregiver • Indian Doctors Association • Indian Nurses Association

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

We thank these businesses for donating door prizes!

Judy’s World - Autism Care Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Liberty Mutual Insurance Life Essentials Lupus Foundation of America Mahavastu Houston New York Life NOVA Asset Management OakBend Medical Center Oasis Senior Advisors Outlook Eye and Laser Center Reflection Media Santhigram Ayurveda Secure Your Legacy

Krishna Sounds

• • • • • • • • • • •

Smiles on Greatwood Texas Caregiver The Medical Resort The Rose The Vitamin Shoppe Trusted Senior Specialists TTI Home Health Care Universal Bakery & Snacks US Citrus Wellcare Wells Fargo

• West Houston Rehab and Healthcare Center

Partnering with Indian Doctors Association

Indian Nurses Association of Greater Houston

• FREE ENTRY, FREE PARKING • FREE HEALTH CHECKUPS • FOOD VENDORS

VOICE OF ASIA 3

Connect with us today!

Visit us Online @ www.voiceofasiaonline.com

713-774-5140

VOICE OF ASIA 28years yearsof ofdedicated dedicatedservice serviceto tothe thecommunity community 29

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

AETNA Pulling Out of 11 ACA Exchanges Read on Page 16 or Call 832-806-1000

Vol. 29 No. 36 Friday, September 2, 2016 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Flower Fest Janmasthami at ISKCON of Houston

Indian campaigner against caste prejudice wins ‘Asia’s Nobel’

M

ANILA, Philippines | AFP | 8/31/2016 - An activist who campaigned to restore the dignity of India’s low-caste Dalits was among six winners of Asia’s Magsaysay awards on Wednesday.

The Manila-based Ramon Magsaysay Indian activist Bezwada Wilson among six winners of Award, named af- Asia’s Magsaysay awards (AFP Photo/Chandan Khanna). ter a Filipino president killed in a plane organising skills in his efforts to ban crash, was established in 1957 to honour people and groups the demeaning work, judges said. tackling development problems. It is His group has successfully lobbied often described as Asia’s Nobel Prize. for laws supporting scavengers and Bezwada Wilson, 50, founded a conducted training to move them to grassroots movement to stop “manual better jobs. scavenging” -- in which Dalits, mostly “No human being should be subjectwomen and girls, remove by hand hued to this inhuman practice,” Wilson man waste from latrines and carry away said. baskets of excrement on their heads.

Devotees applying tilak to visitors at the ISKCON of Houston Temple on August 25, 2016. Photo by: Thejas K Rajaram

Wilson, born to a Dalit family, was honoured for his “moral outrage” and

Continued on Page12

Swami Ramdev’s visit to Houston Inspirational!

H

OUSTON - On Thursday, August 25, 2016 there was an extraordinary festival held at ISKCON of Houston to celebrate Janmashtami - Lord Krishna’s appearance day. This celebration was extra special as it also marked the 30th Anniversary of the installation of our Texas-sized deities, Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava, at the Houston temple.

by Manu Shah

Additionally, this was the first time our deities were bathed (abhisek) with thousands of rose petals.

Swami Ramdev visited New York, Toronto and Houston a week ago teaching what he is living proof of – the physical and mental benefits the practice of yoga brings.

The affair began a few days prior as delighted volunteers assisted in preparation of stunning decorations for this Continued on Page10

Lithe in his saffron robes and a sense of serenity around him, the Swami greeted his

& Sugar Land

Swami Ramdev ji (2nd from left), University of Houston Dr. Durga Agrwal, U Of H Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator and PYTUSA President Shekher Agrawal on August 23 2016. Photo credit Vijay Pallod.

Med Spa & Laser Hair Removal Center

Tel: 281-903-7470 • www.PrimeLaserCenter.com 3 Locations to Serve you: 2121 Sage Rd, Suite: 228, Houston, TX 77056 2655 Cordes Dr, Suite: 120, Sugar Land, TX 77479 777 S. Fry Rd, Suite: 101, Katy TX 77450

FULL BODY LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES 6 Treatments!

$1,500 Full Body Laser Hair Removal Package & Lifetime Warranty

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

Call us for a Free Consultation!

Nita Med Spa MEN $1299

FREE SKIN ANALYSIS $99 VALU E

WOMEN

$999

Continued on Page 5

Call us or book online

www.nitamedspa.com

• info@nitamedspa.com • (281) 370-0070 • (281)251-6172 We are located at: 12712 Grant Road, Cypress TX 77429

Skin tone & Texture • Sun Damage Fine lines • Wrinkles • Pigmentation

OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

VOICE OF ASIA 4

VOICE OF ASIA Publisher:

Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief:

Austin Correspondent: Print & Media Marketing: Marketing:

Office Manager:

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

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

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:

Shobana Muratee

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

Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-774-5143.

Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol.com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@ voiceofasiagroup.com

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

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

A

pple and the United States are crying foul over the ruling in Europe that Apple received illegal tax breaks from Ireland and must hand over 13 billion euros ($14.5 billion), a record tax penalty in Europe.

But Apple and the United States have only themselves to blame for the situation.

Apple has engaged in increasingly aggressive tax avoidance for at least a decade, including stashing some $100 billion in Ireland without paying taxes on much of it anywhere in the world, according to a Senate investigation in 2013. In a display of arrogance, the company seemed to believe that its arrangements in a known tax haven like Ireland would never be deemed illegal — even as European regulators cracked down in similar cases against such multinational corporations as Starbucks, Amazon, Fiat and the German chemical giant BASF. Congress, for its part, has sat idly by as American corporations have indulged in increasingly intricate forms of tax avoidance made possible by the interplay of an outmoded corporate tax code and modern globalized finance. The biggest tax dodge in need of reform involves deferral, in which American companies can defer paying taxes on foreign-held profits until those sums are repatriated.

Initially, deferral was a convenience for multinationals, as they sought investment opportunities abroad. Today, it is the taproot of global tax avoidance. Financial engineering has

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

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

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Apple, Congress and the Missing Taxes let American companies shift profits into foreign accounts, while they lobby Congress for tax-rate cuts in exchange for repatriating the money. Currently, there is some $2 trillion in corporate profits in offshore tax-deferred accounts; besides Apple, Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Oracle also have large stashes. Apple is one of nearly two dozen major corporations pushing Congress for a “tax holiday,” which would let companies bring back foreignheld money over the course of a year at a discounted tax rate, rather than the current rate, 35 percent.

Before the European ruling on Tuesday, the debate over a tax holiday had pitted Republicans, who have generally favored the idea, against Democrats, who have viewed it as an unjustified reward for tax avoidance.

The Democrats have history on their side. A tax holiday in 2005 lowered the corporate rate to 5.25 percent, enticing corporations to repatriate some $300 billion. It was billed as a way to create jobs and increase investment, but the money was used mostly for dividend payments, share buybacks (which tend to raiseexecutive pay) and severance for laid-off employees.

Worse, the tax holiday inspired multinationals to stash as much money abroad as they possibly could in anticipation of another holiday.

The European ruling, howev-

er, could sharply alter the terms of the congressional debate. Republicans and Democrats alike have always assumed that foreign-held profits would one day be repatriated. The big question was the rate at which they would ultimately be taxed. Similarly, the Treasury assumes that deferred foreign profits will one day be taxed when it projects future revenues — an important measure of the nation’s fiscal health.

But the money won’t be repatriated and taxed under American law if Europeans, in the course of enforcing their own laws against tax havens, get their hands on it first. And that, in a nutshell, is why members of Congress and Treasury officials are so upset about the Apple ruling. They understand, correctly, that tax-law enforcement in Europe could reduce the sums they expect to collect taxes on someday. What they don’t understand, or aren’t saying, is that they brought the problem on themselves.

The way forward is not to declare a tax war with Europe.

It is for Congress to agree on a way to tax foreign-held corpo-

rate profits. President Obama put forth a reasonable approach in 2015, when he proposed a mandatory 14 percent tax on multinationals’ current offshore profits — whether they are repatriated or not — and, thereafter, a new minimum tax rate of 19 percent on profits moved offshore. An even better approach would be to simply end indefinite corporate tax deferral, imposing American taxes on profits when they are made.

Republicans rejected Mr. Obama’s proposal in 2015, and there is no chance that lawmakers will engage in such a debate so close to the election. But the next president and Congress will need to act to ensure that at long last, American corporations pay their fair share in taxes.

Source: NYT Editorial Board

6250 Westpark Dr, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77057

- The Publisher

THE STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

Dandi Salt Satyagraha stirs nation

Constitution. “Gentlemen,” the Viceroy said, “I have no power to promise such things.”

In 1924, Gandhi fell ill. He was suffering from appendicitis and was in great pain.

The government was alarmed.

What would happen if Gandhi died in prison? An urgent operation was arranged, and Gandhi agreed. The operation was successful, but his recovery was very slow. The government thought it best to release him, so he was set free. He went to Juhu, near Bombay, for recovery. Read on: Gandhi’s activities made the BriCongress leaders were thinking of participating in the Municipal and Provincial Councils which Gandhi had advised them to boycott. Gandhi was not dismayed or discouraged. He decided to leave politics for the time being and spend his time in bringing about Hindu-Muslim unity and the removal of untouchability.

So for nearly six years Gandhi had little to do with politics. But he wrote, he lectured, and he prayed. He travelled all over India. His influence among the people was steadily growing. Gandhi had not given up the idea of nonviolent resistance to British rule. He was merely waiting for the right moment.

Jawaharlal Nehru joined Gandhi in many of his travels.

Everywhere they were greeted with great enthusiasm. Nehru was the hope of the younger generation. In 1928 the Viceroy invited Gandhi to see him.

He informed Gandhi of the appointment of an official British Commission, led by Sir John Simon, which would study Indian conditions and recommend political reforms.

“Will there be any Indians on the Commission?” asked Gandhi. “No,” replied the Viceroy. “That is absurd,” said Gandhi.

“We must boycott it.” Gandhi advised the people to boycott the Simon Commission, and when it arrived in Bombay

Great Summer Project For children! Enter Mahatma Gandhi Week 2016 Essay, I-Tribute, Poster and Speech contests.

Visit gandhilibrary.org for registration and more information. All school going children can participate! These contests are being organized to create higher awareness of the inspiring life and work of Mahatma Gandhi to promote universal values of Truth, Non-Violence, Love and Service. Call 713-785-3900 or visit www.mahatmagandhilibrary.org

Everybody then realized that England was still marking time and was not really willing to part with power. A new determination to force the government to act filled the minds of the people.

a hartal (strike) was observed all over India. On its tour through the Indian cities the Commission was greeted with black-flag demonstrations.

The people shouted, “Simon, go back!”

At many places there were cane charges and shooting. The same year the peasants of Bardoli, in Gujarat, were agitated by the enhancement of land taxes. Gandhi studied their grievances and advised them to resort to satyagraha and not pay taxes. But they must be nonviolent, he insisted. Vallabhbhai Patel took charge of organizing the resistance.

The government tried all its usual measures to terrorize the people, but had to climb down.

An enquiry into the grievances was ordered. Vallabhbhai demanded certain concessions.

Negotiations were going on when Gandhi arrived in Bardoli. Within a short period the government came to terms with the organizers and a settlement was reached.

Now political tension again gained momentum. People everywhere were preparing for a mass struggle.

The Viceroy called a meeting of the Indian leaders. He made the announcement that India would get dominion status, similar to that of Canada.

Gandhi wanted an immediate plan for the framing of the

Jawaharlal Nehru was elected President of the Congress at the instance of Gandhi. A Congress session was held in Lahore on December 31, 1929. A resolution announcing that full independence was India’s goal was passed at this session of the Congress. Disappointed at her failure to get dominion status, India now demanded full independence.

The whole country was excited. Everybody was waiting for the lead from Gandhi. After two months of suspense, a Salt Satyagraha was announced by Gandhi.

to serfdom. It has sapped the foundations of our culture.”

He requested the Viceroy to see him and discuss the matter with him in person.

“But if you cannot see your way to deal with these evils,” he went on, “and my letter makes no appeal to your heart, on the eleventh day of this month I shall proceed, with such co-workers of the ashram as I can take, to disregard the provisions of the salt laws. “It is, I know, open to you to frustrate my design by arresting me. I hope there will be tens of thousands ready, in a disciplined manner, to take up the work after me.”

Lord Irwin did not answer Gandhi but sent a message through his secretary expressing regret that Gandhi had cho-

sen a course which involved breaking the law of the land and which would be a danger to public peace.

The whole of India was agitated over Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha. On March 12, at 6.30 in the morning, thousands of people watched as Gandhi started from his ashrama with 78 volunteers on a march to Dandi, a village on the sea coast 241 miles away.

There, it was announced, the salt law would be broken. Gandhi led the march through village after village, stopping at each place to talk to the peasants and advise them on the necessity of social reforms.

For twenty-four days the eyes of India and the world followed Gandhi as he marched towards the sea. The government did not take the risk of arresting

Gandhi. With each passing day the campaign grew. Hundreds and thousands of people joined the procession. Men, women, and children lined the route, offering flowers and shouting slogans for the victory of the march.

Newspaper reporters from every corner of the world were there to report the progress of Gandhi’s march. The salt march ended on April 5 at Dandi village.

Gandhi and his selected followers went to the sea shore and broke the salt law by picking up salt left on the shore by the sea. Gandhi then gave a signal to all Indians to break the salt law and prepare to resist the police action in a nonviolent manner.

— To be Continued

This would be the beginning of a civil disobedience campaign in which laws made by the State would be broken.

Civil disobedience would begin by breaking the salt law.

“Salt suddenly became a mysterious word, a word of power,” Nehru said.

The government had put an excise tax on salt which brought an enormous amount of money to the treasury . Moreover, the government had the monopoly of manufacturing salt. The salt tax was to be attacked and the salt laws were to be broken.

The very simplicity of Gandhi’s choice made the issue more dramatic. On March 2, 1930, Gandhi wrote a long letter to the new Viceroy, Lord Irwin, about the deplorable condition of India under British rule. “British rule,” he said, has impoverished the dumb millions by a system of progressive exploitation, and by a ruinously expensive military and civil administration which the country can never afford.

It has reduced us politically

Proof SHIBU PHILIP, MTax, CPA TAX & ACCOUNTING CPA with many years of accounting firm experience • Preparation of Individual, Partnership, S corp and C corp returns.

• Bookkeeping and Financial Statements, Business Tax Planning.

• Multi-state Income tax returns & Franchise tax returns.

• Payroll service & Sales tax returns • Foreign Bank Accounts.

• Preparation of Trusts, Estates, Gifts and Tax-Exempt Orgs returns.

Compilation and review services. Call us for other service details.

• Tel. 832 937 3054 • Cell 832 605 7492 • Fax 832 379 5180

E-mail: shibuphilipcpa@gmail.com • 810 Murphy Road Suite G , Stafford, TX 77477

VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

C OMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA

Second Front Page

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

www.voiceofasiaonline.com

Swami Ramdev’s visit to Houston - Inspirational!

Continued from page 3 ardent followers everywhere he went with one message: Yoga for health, happiness and inner peace - a teaching he has been espousing relentlessly for over two decades.

and connects one with the divinity or Divyata within you. The rising divinity leads to the feeling of oneness, the recognition that what is in me is in you or “Ekatva as it is known in Hindi and brings inner peace. He added that no outside force can make you happy or complete. One can only experience it within oneself.

As Chief Guest at the Independence Day Parade in New York, he inspired a crowd of 30,000 to be good citizens of their Karma Bhumi and proud Indians of their Janam Bhoomi. He enlightened doctors at the LIJ Northwell Hospital in New York on inner peace and addressed several gatherings of Indo Americans on wellbeing and happiness with yoga.

Often breaking into a smile or laughter, Swamiji emphasized that being a yogi does not mean distancing oneself from the world. As a yogi, he stated, he did not want anything for himself but worked 18 hours a day for the welfare of others. He pointed out that Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd, which provides livelihood to 100,000 people directly and 1 million indirectly, is the only company in the world that plows 100% of its profits in charity and education.

On 23rd August, Houston got a mix of all of the above.

A roomful of over 1000 Houstonians, eager to understand how yoga can bring inner peace to stressed minds and bodies, greeted the “Sant of Haryanvewala” at VPSS Haveli.

Swami Ramdev

Swamiji claimed he hasn’t missed a day of yoga since he was 9 years old and proved it by standing on his head, demonstrating some fast paced Sun Salutations, several pushups and back exercises. When the applause died down, he asked the gathering, with a perfectly straight face, to practice these asanas every day! Swami Ramdev also shared some basic tenets of healthy living: 6 hours of sleep, rising early, eating raw vegetables and fruits, avoiding meat, eggs and salt with milk products, chewing thoroughly, and

President of Patanjali Yogpeeth USA Shekhar Agrawal got the proceedings underway by inviting Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Past President of MD Anderson Cancer Center to say a few words.

Judge Emmett encouraged the gathering “to take Swamiji’s knowledge and wisdom out of the room, in our hearts and distribute it to make the world a better place.” Dr. Mendelsohn who introduced Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2001 described him as “first and foremost a teacher, an entrepreneur of the largest and finest pharmaceutical company in the world and a true nationalist” Seated upright in a half lotus pose, Swami Ramdev dwelt on the connection between good health, inner peace and yoga with humor and a healthy dose of practicality. In a mix of Hindi

drinking water one hour after a meal.

The three things, he further reflected, one must never do are “inaction, reaction and wrong action.” He also stressed the fact that anger leads to acidity and negative chemical reactions in the body, causes aging and reduces one’s lifespan.

A passionate educator, Swamiji outlined his plans of starting 500 Acharyakulams across India and a world class university spread over 1500 acres near Delhi, India that would offer topnotch education in all streams. A sum of about $3.5 billion has been earmarked for his educational projects. He also spoke of his vision of building a huge medical facility that would cater to the needs of the poor.

Swami Ramdev capped the evening by thanking the trustees and volunteers of Patanjali Yogpeeth USA who put together the event with the support of the Hindus of Greater Houston and VPSS Haveli. Chairman of Patanjali Yogpeeth USA, Brahm Aggarwal joined Swamiji on stage to offer Shradhanjali to Pujya Pramukh Swami of BAPS. Earlier in the day, Swami Ramdev met a small group of high level educators including Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator and Dr. John Mendelsohn at the University of Houston.

L-R: Lighting of the Lamp by Shekhar Agrawal, John Mendelsohn, Swami Ramdev, Judge Ed Emmett, and Dr. Durga Agrawal. Photo by Bijay Dixit. and English, he guided the crowds through a collective OM and a series of Pranayam exercises which he explained connected one with the divine power to awaken the chakras, selfhealing and self-realization.

The root cause of misery, Swami Ramdev elaborated, is the sense of inner incompleteness which is cloaked by the pursuit of materialistic pleasures. He offered a solution: Meditation – a practice that stills the mind Audience Enjoying Swami Ramdev Pravachan. Photos by Bijay Dixit

Call Now

ABLE MORTGAGE IN TEXAS

REFINANCE, PURCHASE & CASH OUT

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

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

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

Proof

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

Need Mortgage Loan Officers in all licensed states.

• No experience needed. • Attractive compensation.

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

GALLERIA, HOUSTON

832-766-6662

proof

kvdoraiswamybhattar@yahoo.com | kvdoraiswamy60@gmail.com

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

proof

At Transamerica Agency Network, we invest in helping all of our Insurance Representatives through career changes. We’ll invest in you too.

Immigration Excellence Unparalleled

Office: 1-571-206-8048 • Espanol: 832-617-0710

Become a Tomorrow Maker by starting your career with us today.

Pooja@Bhagatlawfirm.com • www.bhagatlawfirm.com

• Citizenship • Green cards • Asylum & refugee • Deportation • Cancellation of removal • Deportation bond/bail • Work visas • Investor visas • Fiance visas • Extraordinary ability & more

For a Free Consultation, Call Today!

Lease Homes

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

BHAGAT LAW FIRM

Pooja Bhagat, Attorney at Law

New Homes Apartment Locator

SONY KOHLI REALTOR®

Buy • Sell

Abha Dwivedi 281-650-3229

Making a difference, 1 family at a time Cash Value Life Insurance, LTC, Term Life, Annuities

Helping to protect life and retirement needs in our community.

Transamerica Agency Network is a marketing business unit with Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company and affiliated Transamerica companies offering insurance and financial products. Life insurance issued by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company or Transamerica Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA. Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Voice_of_Asia_Abha_Ad 0416

Malti Kumar 832-693-1639 7322 S.W. FRWY Suite 600 Houston, TX 77074

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER

The People’s Lawyer

Answers to your Immigration Questions

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

www.peopleslawyer.net Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Siblings do not have to share equally in father’s estate Q. I have four brothers and sisters. Some of us are on better terms with our father than others. Our mother passed away last year and left everything to our father. I have been told that if my dad dies, the law requires my father’s estate be divided equally between all the children. Is this true?

A. If your father dies without a will, his estate will be divided equally between all of his children.

With a will, however, he has the right to dispose of his property any way he wants. For example, he can leave all of his property to his children in equal shares, or can leave some of the children all the property and others none. In fact, the law does not require he leave any of his property to his children. The bottom line is that under Texas law, a person has the right to leave his or her property to whomever he or she wants.

The important thing is to have a will clearly spelling out how you want your property distributed after your death.

Q. Is it possible to live with someone for as long as fifteen years and not have a common law marriage? I have lived with the same man for that long, but he says we are not married.

A. How long you live together does not determine whether you have a common law marriage. To have a common law mar-

riage, you must do more than just live together. If a couple wants to live together and not be married, they may live together for as long as they want. To have a common law marriage, the couple must agree to be married, hold themselves out as married, and live together as married.

Without all three elements, there is not a common law marriage.

Q. I have not been able to pay my car note. The lender is now threatening to sue me for the full amount I owe.

I told them to come and get the car, but they refused. Do they have to take the car back when I don’t pay?

A. A lender has the “right” repossess a car if you don’t pay, but no obligation to take the car, even if you offer to return it. In most cases, repossession is the easiest route for a lender to take after the borrower defaults, but it is not required. For example, if the cost of repossession and resale is greater than the value of the car or the car is not in very good shape, the lender may not take the car. As a general rule, the lender will repossess the car only when repossessing the car will have some economic benefit.

The lender may simply make a demand for payment without repossession if it believes you have the ability to pay.

You also seem to believe that if you return the car, you will no longer owe the note. That is not the case.

Even if you return the car or

the lender repossess it, you still might owe money. After the lender receives the car, the car will be sold and the proceeds will be applied to the debt. If the car is not sold for enough to cover the debt, you owe the balance.

It may be that you should be glad they did not take your car.

Q. My landlord has not fixed a serious problem with my bathroom shower.

Can I fix it myself and withhold the repair cost from my rent?

A. What you are talking about is called “repair and deduct,” and as a general rule you may not do this.

Assuming you have given your landlord proper written notice to make the repairs (by certified mail) and they affect health or safety, you may repair and deduct only for a few specified very serious problems. The law allows you to deduct if the repairs are for the overflow of raw sewage, the lack of water or heat, or certain housing code violations that materially affect health or safety. In all other cases, your remedy is to sue for the cost of repairs or terminate your lease. For more information about your rights as a tenant, take a look at my website below.

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

Like Us www.indiacaregiversupport.com Brian Mertz, M.S. CEO “Helping India Caregivers Help Others” “We are a caregiver information and advocacy website that all Indian Americans could use”

Caregiver Associations, Caregiver Support Groups, Caregiver Information & Publications, blogs, Caregiver Training, Online Caregiver Certification Programs, Training Centers, Institutes, Councils, Non-Profit Organizations, Medical Supply Companies, Assistive Technologies, Home Health Care Agencies, Caregiver Entrepreneur Assistance and Caregiver Cancer Support, Overseas Caregiver Opportunities and more.

• CAREGIVER ASSOCIATIONS • CAREGIVER CANCER SUPPORT • CAREGIVER INFORMATION & PUBLICATIONS • CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS • CAREGIVER TRAINING • HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCIES • ONLINE CAREGIVER TRAINING CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS • OVERSEAS CAREGIVER OPPORTUNITIES • MEDICAL SUPPLY COMPANIES

Visit us at: www.indiacaregiversupport.com support@indiacaregiversupport.com Member, IACCGH

Attorney at Law

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

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

OUR OFFICE:

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

Q: To apply for Naturalization, how do I know when I actually became a permanent resident?

tion and be up to date with all you child support payments before you file your naturalization application.

A: The date when you became a Lawful Permanent Resident is on your Permanent Resident Card.

Q: I was not able to pay child support because I lost my job about 6 months ago.

I like to apply for Naturalization. Will my Naturalization application be denied because of this?

Q; I am legally blind and I need to bring my seeing eye dog with me to the Naturalization interview. Is this permitted?

A: Yes. USCIS does endeavor to make reasonable accommodations to assist applicants with disabilities. Please make sure you request for this accommodation on your N-400 Application For Naturalization that you will require this accommodation.

Q: The Naturalization Filing and Biometrics Fee amounts to $680.00.

Can I just pay this total amount in one check for $680.00 or do I have to provide two separate checks, one for the Filing Fee and the other for the Biometrics Fee? A: Just write check for the total amount of $680.00 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Q: I filed my own N-400 application for Naturalization. I now wish to have an attorney with me for the interview. Is it too late to do this?

A: No it is not. The attorney you hire will be permitted to attend the interview with you provided you sign a Form G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance for the attorney to provide to USCIS during the interview.

Q: I am angry with my ex-wife for not allowing me to see my children and I have not paid child support for more than one year. Will this affect my Naturalization?

A: A willful refusal or willful failure to pay child support will result in you being barred from establishing good moral character. If you intend to apply for Naturalization, I advise that you make the effort to correct this situa-

*Subject to restrictions.

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

A: It is clear that if you willfully refuse or willfully fail to pay child support, you will be barred from establishing good moral character required for naturalization. In your case, you could try to show that your failure to pay child support was because of circumstances that are beyond your control i.e. that you lost your job. You may want to support this by showing that prior to losing your job, you have always made the child support payments diligently and at this point in time, you are making every effort to satisfy your financial obligations towards your children and that you are still actively looking for employment to be able to resume the support as soon as possible. A letter from your ex-spouse explaining all this may also be helpful for showing this.

Q: My father wants to apply for Naturalization. He is retired and has not earned any income since he became a permanent resident. I am his son and I claim him as a dependent on my Tax Returns every year. What box does he have to check to the question, “Have you ever not filed a Federal, State or local tax return since you became a Permanent Resident?”

A: He can check “Yes” to the question and put a notation that he has been retired and is listed as dependent on his son’s Tax Returns since he became a Permanent Resident.

Q: On the N-400 application form for Naturalization, there is a question “if the law requires it, are you willing to perform work or national importance under civilian direction”. What does this mean?

A: This question means that if you become a US Citizen and the law requires it, are you willing to help in nationally important work for example assisting the Red Cross

during an emergency to provide relief to victims of disaster. The phrase ‘civilian direction’ means nonmilitary or not a member of the police. This question refers to all non-military type assistance.

Q: For Naturalization, do I have to provide my conviction records for traffic offences?

A: No, unless those traffic offences are related to DUI / DWI or drug related offences or if you were arrested for the incident.

Q: I just received my Naturalization Certificate.

What do I have to do now?

A: You should register to vote and apply for your US Passport. In addition, if you had requested for a change of name, you should also ensure that you apply to change the name on your State issued Driver License and also on all other important records such as your employment records, bank and credit card accounts etc. If you have foreign family members such as spouse, children and parents who wish to immigrate to the United States, you should proceed to file the immigrant petitions for them as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case.

Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case.

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

TAX

Resolution Specialist

IndiaCSS can assist India caregivers who are experiencing the following issues: • Dementia • Elder Care • Caregiver Burnout

Sharlene Sharmila Richards

CALL US today at: 713-623-8088

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT NATURALIZATION :

Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

IndiaCSS can provide information to India caregivers regarding the following topics:

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

1-888-829-4777 FREE 15 MINUTE TAX REVIEW FOR BUSINESSES

HPPS

HarryTax@aol.com

Harry Patel

Tax Resolution Firm

www.IRS-Tax.Pro

Federally Licensed

■ AUDIT ■ APPEAL ■ CDP ■ HEARING ■ COLLECTION ■ LIEN ■ LEVY ■ PENALTY WAIVER ■ SETTLEMENT ■ INSTALLMENT ■ OIC ■ COMPLIANCE ■ FBAR ■ FATCA

Harry Patel

ABFA-FELLOW

Certified Board Advisor DIPLOMATE-ABFA

Financial Forensic Examiner Certified Fraud Examiner

Harry Patel

NTPI-FELLOW EA CTRS CFE

A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist

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

IMMIGRATION Call Now for Your FREE Consultation

Learn more on Legal issues Visit www.voiceofasiaonline.com

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Indo-American Charity Foundation’s Health Fair A Success Doctors provide free services to local community

Drs. Surya and Manjula Raghuthu (Standing center) with IACF directors and their staff at the Health Fair in Sugar Land.

IACF Board: Seated: Dr. Purvi Parikh,Mahesh Wadva. Standing: Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala and IACF president Nanda Vura at the Health Fair.

S

UGAR LAND, Texas -- On Saturday, August 27, 2016 almost 100 patients were seen at a Health Fair hosted by the Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) at the ACE Pain Management Center/Medwin Family Medicine & Rehab Clinic in Sugar Land.

Patients began lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. even though the Health Fair was not scheduled to begin until 8 a.m. For four hours, patients of all ages consulted with specialists: Dr. Surya Raghuthu and Dr. Manjula Raghuthu founders, ACE Pain Management Center/ Medwin Family Medicine & Rehab Clinic in Sugar Land and Dr. Purvi Parikh, a dentist who is also an IACF board member donated her services with free dental checkups.

Dr. Surya Raghuthu, specialized in pain management provided guidance and tips to those dealing with chronic pain. Dr. Manjula Raghuthu, a family physician, gave assistance to patients dealing with a variety of health issues or those who just needed a regular check-up. The doctor

couple share great passion for community service and have conducted such services in the past. Dr. Purvi Parikh, who has a dentist practice in Sugar Land, is also an ardent volunteer at health fairs, walkathons serving the community.

The health fair allowed patients without insurance to get free tests for critical health conditions such as: Diabetes, Kidney function, Liver function, Cholesterol.

The Health Fair was steered

by Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, IACF past president along with supporting IACF Directors. It was part of the IACF 2016 initiatives to promote general Health. The IACF holds similar health fairs throughout the year by partnering with other organizations and doctors.

This was IACF’s second health fair of 2016. These health fairs not only provide benefits through doctor check-ups and testing, but also create a safe environment for people to address health concerns they may be

avoiding. To learn more how you can support IACF or to become a volunteer, visit www.iacfhouston.com.

Opportunity Fair for Women draws diversity

The IACF Annual gala is on Friday, September 30 at the Sugar Land Marriot, Sugar Land. For details of sponsorship and tickets contact visit www.iacfhouston.com.

ABOUT IACF The Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) is a nonprofit charitable organization that helps the underprivileged and needy with monetary contributions and volunteer work through established and emerging organizations [501(c)3] in the Greater Houston Area. IACF was founded in 1988 by a group of Houstonians of Indian origin (Indo- American) compelled by an altruistic desire to give back to their local community. Their mission to help the underprivileged originated with the effort to fight hunger, and has now developed into a multi-faceted philanthropic endeavor to help those in need of health, education and human services in the Greater Houston Area.

Photo Caption: Women’s Voice for Better America, Front Row from Left to Right, Rita Talwar, Neeta Sane, Pam Gaskin, Clara Kuaiwa, Tarik Celik of Star Learning. Back Row from Left to Right, To-Nhu Huynh, Martha Auriemma, Farida Abjani, Mary Figures, Lubna Jamshed, Deepica Sigh, Gayatri Rao, Nargis Ahmed, Tonya Bias, Tramine Chatman-Rose, Shefali Patel, Mahtab Moradi, Tamara White, Farah Khan, Maleeha Samee, Karen Overton.

Visitors at the booths.

H

OUSTON, TX, August 30, 2016] Women’s Voice for Better America, a Houston based-network of women from all walks of life, hosted the first ‘Opportunity Fair for Women’ on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Star Learning, 3528 Texas 6, Sugar Land, Texas.

The Opportunity Fair for Women provided free resources, services and information to all the attendees seeking increased access to quality healthcare, cancer-free living, bone marrow registry, job search techniques, small business start-up assistance, financial strategies, investments, civic participation and voting.

The presentations by MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann, Indian-American Cancer Network, Ibn Sina Community

Medical Center, DAYA-Houston, Workforce Solutions, SCORE Houston, New York Life Insurance, Wealth Development Strategies and League of Women Voters energized women to further their goals in life.

Women’s Voice for Better America is a multi-ethnic network dedicated to the advancement of issues that pertain to women. The organization’s focus is on increasing women’s access to healthcare, careers, entrepreneurship, finance, voter education, family support and civic engagement.

For more information, visit www.NeetaSane.com/OpportunityFair or Women’s Voice for Better America on Facebook. Contact Neeta Sane at 832-279-8601 for further information.

Read these stories and more community stories Visit: www. voiceofasiaonline.com

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

Foundation for India Studies receives support from Baylor University’s Institute of Oral History HOUSTON – Foundation for India Studies (FIS) has received the support of Baylor University’s Institute of Oral History. .

“Baylor University’s institutional support will certainly provide us with the much needed impetus and academic guidance in recording the oral histories of people affected by the 1947 partition of India” said FIS Founder-Chairman, Krishna Vavilala.

FIS recently completed 55 oral histories of the first-generation Indo-Americans living in the Greater Houston area as part of its Indo-American Oral History Project.

“I am very impressed by the quality and scope of the more than fifty oral history interviews already gathered through the Houston Indo-American Oral History Project. These stories offer a rich tapestry of the community’s history,” said Dr. Stephen Sloan, Director, Baylor University’s Institute of

Oral History. “We are pleased to consult on the next phase of FIS’ oral history work documenting the history of the partition of India through the experiences of those refugees that settled in Texas in the wake of this dramatic political and demographic change.”

Dr. Stephen Sloan further added :”We are thankful for the opportunity to add our name to your list of project partners which includes the Houston Public Library (HPL) and Houston Community College System (HCCS),and anticipate many positive outcomes from our association with you”.

The Foundation for India Studies (FIS) was registered in Texas, in 2005 as a non-profit 501(c3) organization with a vision to disseminate knowledge about India’s contribution to the world in the field of languages, literature, arts, sciences, engineering, politics, economics and spirituality. For further information, please call 713-795-5169.

Couple donates $100,000 for Sikh, Punjabi research in US PTI | Aug 19, 2016 WASHINGTON: An IndianAmerican couple has donated USD 100,000 to a top American university to support graduate students studying Sikh and Punjabi culture there.

The endowment by Harkeerat and Deepta Dhillon, to University of California, Riverside, will help attract graduate students with an interest in Sikh and Punjabi culture, and support fieldwork on Sikh communities in the United States, the university said in a statement.

“This gift is a testament to their commitment to higher education, their passion for the arts and humanities, and their desire to expand the knowledge base about Sikh and Punjabi culture,” said Milagros Pena, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

The Harkeerat and Deepta Dhillon Endowed Research Award for Sikh and Punjabi Studies in the Arts and Humanities will provide much-needed support for dissertation research and writing on arts and humanities topics that relate to Sikh and Punjabi culture, said Pashaura Singh, professor and Jasbir Singh Saini Endowed Chair of Sikh and Punjabi Studies, and chair of the Department of Religious Studies.

Dhillon, a prominent Riverside orthopaedic and hand surgeon, had earlier helped raise funds needed to launch the endowed chair in Sikh Studies in 2008.

“We believe that establishing this award will enhance the belief that this is an educational institution that recognizes diversity and teaches diversity,” he said.

MEA to diaspora: ‘Donate for development, connect with your roots’ The government is giving a fresh push to the IDF — launched by the UPA government to provide a platform for overseas Indians to carry out development efforts in India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday invited the Indian diaspora to donate money towards the implementation of various development projects, including Clean India and Ganga rejuvenation, and get connected with their “roots”. Swaraj called upon overseas Indians to send funds under the India Development Foundation (IDF) for projects of their choice.

The government is giving a fresh push to the IDF — launched by the UPA government to provide a platform for overseas Indians to carry out development efforts in India.

“The money will not be just a donation. It is a way to get connected with the roots. It is a way to pay back to your motherland. It will be a reflection of emotional attachment to the country,” Swaraj said in a video message posted on MEA’s Twitter handle.

Read Latest on Indian Overseas Visit: www. voiceofasiaonline.com

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Indian-origin Ajei Gopal named CEO of US firm ANSYS

N

Ajei Gopal

EW YORK, PTI | Aug 31, 2016 : An IIT Bombay alumnus and software industry veteran has been named CEO of a leading US company that produces engineering simulation software used for testing product designs across a wide spectrum of industries including rockets and

wearable technology. Ajei Gopal, 54 will become the CEO of Pennsylvania-based ANSYS with effect from January 1 next year.

Ajei Gopal, a 25-year technology industry veteran who has served as a member of the ANSYS Board since 2011, has

been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of the company effective immediately and will continue to serve on the Board. James Cashman, who has served as ANSYS’ Chief Executive Officer since 2000, will become Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective from January 2017.

VOICE OF ASIA 10

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Flower Fest Janmasthami at ISKCON of Houston memorable observance. A plentiful of vibrant roses, carnations and mums touched with baby’s breath were carefully assembled by devotees to complement the already admirable temple room. A unique touch were strands of popcorn that decorated the altar beams vertically with red carnations giving the altar a resemblance of an entryway to heaven where the deities dwell in their divine presence.

mances showcasing unity in diversity.

The deities looked glorious with their outfits of burnt sienna resembling the color warm orange palette of a morning sunrise. Thousands of guests made their way into the temple room to glance upon the deities all day and evening long. Every person present embraced the warmth of Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava as they radiated pure brilliance.

That is exactly what occurred at midnight during aarti and kirtan.

Devotees used their arms to reach over Krishna and Radharani to shower them chest deep with rose petals. Others used their eyes to take part in the festivities. Everyone used their voices to sing in devotion the mahamantra.

Many devotees danced in ecstasy in their euphoric state of love! Afterward, devotees immersed themselves in sumptuous prasadam.

As is a big birthday bash for Lord Krishna, there were a plentiful of things occurring on temple grounds. Lively kirtans were held while the beaming deities were bathed in rose petals throughout the evening. The grounds couldn’t be more inviting as there were booths for newcomers to become acquainted with the day’s celebration.

There was a welcome booth along with tilak booth, ISKCON 50 booth, Japa

As the evening progressed closer to midnight, a class was held by HH Veda Vyasa Swami glorifying Lord Krishna’s appearance. He reminded all - just as the sun is always there, regardless of whether it can be seen or not, Krishna too is always there. He also advised that we use this body in service to Krishna because everything belongs to Him.

Devotees showered multi-colored rose petals on Sri Krishna and Radharani on the Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava alter.

Photo by: Thejas K Rajaram

ly presented Christian catholic prayer; Islam prayer by Saif Hassan with Aga Khan Council.

The ISKCON youth group, Jiva Jago, presented a remarkable drama about Krishna’s appearance. Every participant’s performance and prayers was received openly and amicably.

This wonderful cultural program incorporated different faiths and perfor-

It was an extraordinary gathering of souls on the Lord’s birthday and the following day indeed. I have no doubt Krishna was happy, seeing us together in merriment celebrating these auspicious days.

Visit us: iskconhouston.org

ISKCON youth group, Jiva Jago about Krishna’s appearance.

booth and Nila Madhava’s Boutique.

For congregational members, there was a booth for Goswami Academy, abhisek and jhulan (swinging) of baby Krishna. The booth for henna art was quite active with girls getting gopi designs on their smiling faces.

Interfaith participation included prayer by Dr. Zahra Jamal, Associate Director for community engagement, Boniuk Institute, Rice University; Lowell A Davis, Executive Director of St. Basil’s Singers and students Summer learning school of St. Basil’s school of Gregorian Chant Campus ministry, University of St. Thomas; Bahai prayer; Veronica Ajak and fami-

This glorification of Krishna’s appearance day was enhanced by special guests, His Holiness Veda Vyasa Swami and Consul Mr. R.D. Joshi.

Disciples and granddisciples of his as well as devotees glorified him.

They thanked him for the transcendental knowledge he has bestowed on us fallen souls, the international Hare Krishna family he created and most importantly, for showing us what true love really is – loving service to Krishna and to one another.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was showered with love, admiration and sweet sincere words of gratitude. He was also showered in ‘tons’ of rose petals for his vyasa puja with elated kirtans and blissful dancing devotees.

Showering our spiritual master in rose petals was a first time for the Houston devotee community.

Consul Mr. R.D. Joshi was a Special Guest. Seen here with wife and mother.

Cultural programs included dances to celebrate Lord Krishna, music, singing and interfaith prayers. Other entertaining performances included Hindustani classical bhajans, semi classical dances, classical Odissi dances and Polish dancers all of which surcharged the atmosphere with their energy. The Hare Krishna kids also performed their contemporary dance to the captive audience.

The following day, Friday was a much more intimate family-oriented celebration of the appearance day of our beloved Acharya and spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya and spiritual mentor of the Hare Krishna movement.

VOICE OF ASIA 11

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Houston Chapter Annual Fundraising Event Raises Funds for over 1400 Schools from the area. Their enthusiasm to give time for charitable causes was evident, especially in light of the new school year having just started.

Dr. Anupam Ray, Consulate General of India (Houston), addresses the audience

H

OUSTON: August 30, 2016 – Thanks to the generosity of local Indian diaspora, the Houston Chapter of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation successfully raised over $525,000 in charitable donations to fund over 1400 non-formal schools across tribal and rural India at the Chapter’s annual fundraising event, held on Saturday, August 27. There are over 1.5 million children in over 55,000 Ekal schools across the country.

The event, held at Stafford Center of Performing Arts, included a dinner and the Bollywood song entertainment program, titled ‘Ek Alag Si Shaam’. The program was performed by a very talented group of local Houston artists, led by Salil Bhadekar, the famed Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner of both Hindi and Marathi editions. About 1200 attendees were thoroughly entertained by Salil and the female vocalist, Manik Joshi, and their musicians, as the threehour long concert took them down the memory lane, with thoughtfully composed sequences of songs, originally sung by the stalwarts, such as Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Yesudas, Manna Day, Lata Mangeshkar, and Asha Bhosle, among others.

The sold-out auditorium at Stafford Center turned into cheering and singing along audience, as Salil delivered some of super hits of the yester years in an inimitably entertaining style.

As the night progressed, Salil and his crew also enthralled the audience with their farmaish songs – having received close to hundred individual song requests during the breaks.

The event kicked off with the “lamp lighting” (removing darkness of illiteracy with light of education) ceremony led by the Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray. Many prominent local philanthropists and dignitaries, including Dr. Renu Khator, the Chancellor and the President of University of Houston, also participated. Naren Chavda, the President of Ekal Houston Chapter, welcomed the guests and talked about the tremendous progress made by the Ekal movement in the 26 years since its inception. He also expressed his gratitude to the guests and donors for their generous pledges sponsoring Ekal schools. A captivating Ekal Abhiyan DVD was played (also found on YouTube, titled, “Ekal Stepping Forward 2016”).

A few of the attending dignitaries, including Drs. Ray and Khator, as well as some of the new Ekal donors, made a brief appeal for the charitable cause, while articulating their passion and commitment to the Ekal mission.

Among many volunteers helping ensure a smooth and well-coordinated event, noteworthy mentions were high school and college students

his Vote of Thanks. “While much has been accomplished, a great deal more needs to be done to maintain the momentum in this journey.” asserted the new, incoming Ekal Houston Chapter President, Mr. Pankaj Desai, while also personally acknowledging multiple Ekal donors.

dation, USA

The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation is a tax exempt, registered, non-profit service organization dedicated to “The passion, support and commitbringing education & village develment of our donors and the dedication opment to rural India. The overridof our volunteers made this event such ing philosophy is to take a holistic a success,” said Dr. Vivek Pradhan, approach to social and economic Ekal Houston Chapter PR Officer, in About The Ekal Vidyalaya Foun- development. The Ekal movement is the largest grassroots, non-government education movement operating in remote and tribal villages of India. Ekal presently operates in 55,000+ villages, educating over 1.5 million children. Ekal Vidyalaya’s goal is to raise the necessary funds to run 100,000 non-formal schools across tribal and rural India by the end of 2015.For more information about the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, please visit www.ekal. org and click on Who We Are or What We Do, or contact us at ekaluDr. Renu Khator, President and Chancellor of U of H, addresses the audience. Also seen are sa@ekal.org. the artists in action,

Ekal volunteers with Salil Bhadekar and team

SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

India, US speak in one voice on India’s top woman banker South China Sea, NSG, terror sees cracks in glass ceiling

N

EW DELHI, Aug 31 (PTI) Nearly two months after an international court ruled against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, India and the US today called for “utmost respect” for global law, maintaining that there must be “unimpeded lawful commerce” throughout the disputed region.

The two countries, which held their annual Strategic and Commercial Dialogue yesterday, also said they will “redouble” efforts towards India’s early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which was opposed by China. The US urged the NSG member countries to support India’s bid for their “common interest”.

In a joint statement issued today summarizing outcome of Tuesday’s meeting, the two strategic partners condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to dismantle safe havens for terrorist and criminal networks such as IS terror outfit, Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammad, D Company and its affiliates, and also the Haqqani Network.

“The sides also called on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice. The sides will continue to review and consider other organizations that warrant terrorist designations including those that engage in cross-border terrorism,” according to the joint statement

by Vishal MANVE

M

UMBAI, India | AFP | Wednesday 8/30/2016 - The first female head at one of India’s biggest banks says a ruling forcing firms to appoint women directors to boards has eased chronically lopsided gender ratios -- but warns too many firms are still failing to embrace diversity.

The two sides also called on Pak to bring perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai & 2016 Pathankot attacks to justice. PTI About South China dispute, the two sides “stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce throughout the region, including in the South China Sea.

Calling for “utmost respect” for international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they reiterated that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means, and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes.

‘Asia’s Nobel’...

Continued from Page 3 Indian musician Thodur Madabusi Krishna, 40, won the Award for Emergent Leadership for spreading appreciation of classical music to lower castes through his foundation that trains talented rural young people.

“Music and the arts are... capable of liberating us from artificial divisions of caste and race,” said Krishna, who hails from an upper-class Brahmin family.

Also honoured was Filipino chief graft-buster and former Supreme Court justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, 75, for her diligence in prosecuting high-rank-

ing corrupt officials.

Three charity and volunteer groups received the award.

Vientiane Rescue won for its volunteers’ “passionate humanitarianism” in improving one of Asia’s worst road fatality rates by operating a free, 24/7 rescue service in Laos, the citation said.

Indonesia’s biggest philanthropic group Dompet Dhuafa was cited for its transparent use of the Islamic obligatory tax known as zakat, which led to projects such as support for small and medium enterprises and scholarships.

State Bank of India chairwoman Arundhati Bhattacharya told AFP that the regulator’s moves to get rid of the “old boys’ network” and demand women were appointed to boards had led to posts being filled by family members.

However, she said she was fine with that if they have the ability.

India changed its laws in 2013 to force publicly listed companies to have at least one woman among their board directors -- around 96 percent of whom were men at the time.

After the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulator issued a comply-orbe-fined deadline in March 2015, firms scrambled to act, drafting in wives, daughters or other relatives to fill the spots.

“A lot of women who are getting inducted after SEBI’s rule are family members. And this isn’t a problem as long as they understand the business.

“But we believe it is important to get an outsider’s perspective,” said Bhattacharya, who joined SBI in 1977 and

Chairwoman of the State Bank of India (SBI), Arundhati Bhattacharya, speaks during an interview with AFP in Mumbai, on August 22, 2016 (AFP Photo/Indranil Mukherjee). rose through the ranks to the top of the country’s largest and oldest commercial lender.

As hiring managers complain about a lack of talented women candidates for board-level jobs, her view is that they simply have not looked hard enough.

- Changing attitudes “Even today I find many people saying we don’t find properly qualified women. What they’re saying is they are not networked enough.”

The problem is not only at the top -- across the country only 27 percent of women work, according to the International Labour Organization, which ranked India 120th among the 131 nations on female labour participation in 2013.

“Seventy-five percent of these appointments are nonindependent and drawn from

family members, thereby failing to bring any diversity to corporate boardrooms,” Pranav Haldea, managing director of Prime Database, a firm that compiles capital markets data, told AFP. Bhattacharya cites the challenge of changing attitudes in a society that still largely views women as primary caretakers and says having children leads many to fall off the corporate ladder.

To address the problem, in 2014 she brought in two-year sabbaticals to allow women to take career breaks without falling out of the workforce.

“We want to ensure that men also take up their portion of responsibilities during child care and women continue working from home, so they don’t face drawbacks or fall behind,” she said.

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 13

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 29 No. 36

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Tel: 713-774-5140

Autism a Silicon Valley asset with social quirks be overwhelming.

- Hard-wired differently EvoLibri Consulting founder Jan Johnston-Tyler, who has an adult son with high-functioning autism, called for workplaces to embrace “neurodiversity” such as autism, attention-deficits, and learning disabilities.

“These are hard-wired, not acquired differences,” Johnston-Tyler said.

“They are simply different ways of being.”

Johnston-Tyler contended that autism has been a part of Silicon Valley since its inception.

The 57-year-old mother recalled being a school girl in Palo Alto with classmates who, in hindsight, she believes were autistic but were thought of as geeks.

Analyst Corey Weiss, disgnosed with autism as a young boy, works at Mindspark in Santa Monica, California (AFP Photo/Frederic J. Brown).

“Silicon Valley was built on neurodiversity; that is how we got here,” said Johnston-Tyler.

Gray Benoist, co-founder and president of Mindspark pictured at his offices on August 24, 2016 in Santa Monica, California (AFP Photo/Frederic J. Brown)

by Glenn CHAPMAN

S

AN FRANCISCO, United States | AFP | Sunday 8/28/2016 - Corey Weiss may not be adept at body language or social cues, but he knows software.

Laser-focus on detail that comes with his place on the autism spectrum are part of what makes Weiss a top analyst at MindSpark, a young California firm mixing business smarts with social good.

“I see things others wouldn’t,” said 27-year-old Weiss, who was diagnosed with autism when he was a young boy.

“The greatest strength is it makes me more detail-oriented; I am more focused.”

MindSpark, located in the coastal city of Santa Monica near Los Angeles, employs analysts with autism to test software for companies.

The firm has been refining its model for the past three years, its roster of clients growing to include Fox Networks Group and Liberty Mutual.

MindSpark has 27 analysts, five of them full-time employees and the rest paid based on the number of hours they work.

When workplaces create supportive communities for people with autism, they tend to get intensely loyal workers who come with the benefit of looking at challenges or problems differently.

Creating a workplace community that helps manage anxiety is a part of keeping autistic employees on task, and some analysts prefer to only work part-time

While some on the spectrum are natural for computer science, others excel in other areas such as art or media, according to Johnston-Tyler.

Analysts make about $35,000 annually, with senior analysts earning closer to $50,000, MindSpark said.

Hahn described software testing as a learnable skill, especially if people have traits prevalent in the higher functioning end of the autism population: attention to detail, pattern recognition, and a penchant for staying focused on a task.

About one percent of the world’s population is touched by autism, a developmental disability that affects people to different degrees, according to the US-based Autism Society.

This week, MindSpark opened to companies around the world.

The autism spectrum ranges from people who avoid eye contact and communicate with seemingly odd behaviors instead of words to those with language skills and quick minds but inability to understand social norms.

MindSpark seeks out people on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum with behaviors that, while at odds with social norms, are advantages in working with computer technology, according to co-founder Chad Hahn.

“Most people (with autism) do not have access to work despite the fact that they are willing and desire work,” said Desiree Kameka, director of community engagement at Madison House Autism Foundation.

“You have this huge pool of talented labor that not many people are looking at,” Hahn told AFP.

“Tech companies being able to create an environment that takes into consideration the accommodations adults on the spectrum need is so important.”

“This is a perfect model to drive social change. Companies can really do well by doing good.”

EvoLibri specializes in finding jobs or services for “neurodiverse” people.

For those with autism, dealing with the social side of a workplace that is routine to “neuro-typical” people can

Call Ramesh Cherivirala Ph.D, LUTCF Financial Adviser

A challenge, she said, has been getting Silicon Valley companies to open doors to long-term careers instead of simply farming out piecemeal work on tasks such as debugging code.

“We have qualified people at a time when Silicon Valley continues to bellyache there are no qualified candidates,” Johnston-Tyler said.

“They don’t want to hire people because they are different.”

A problem is that while some with autism may have the right job skills, they also may have trouble with life basics such as sleeping, eating, and getting to the office on time.

- 80 percent unemployed -When announcing the program, Microsoft said that an estimated 80 percent of people with autism are

Eagle Strategies LLC

• Life Insurance • Managed Accounts • Long term care insurance IRA, 401k, 403b, 529 plans** • Disability insurance* • Roll over of 401k, 403b, TRS, • Fixed and variable annuities** TSA • Health insurance* • Defined Benefit plans 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd, # 550, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Visit: www.RCherryFinancial.com

rcherivirala@ft.newyorklife.com

unemployed, though many are fully capable of holding down jobs, and some possess exceptional skills in areas such as science, mathematics or technology.

Microsoft and German business software giant SAP AG are among the companies working with Denmarkbased Specialisterne, which puts people with autism in jobs such as software testers or programmers.

Often, families of people with autism have taken on the challenges of

starting businesses, creating farming communities or undertaking other major projects to provide loved ones with meaningful lives.

“I am seriously concerned about what is going to happen to older adults on the spectrum today who have the potential for meaningful employment but don’t have those connections; whose parents are not part of that startup social enterprise world,” Kameka said.

“It is scary to think about.”

Microsoft last year launched a pilot program aimed at recruiting people with autism for fulltime jobs at the Redmond, Washington-based software colossus.

For all your insurance and financial needs

Bus: (281) 295-2726 Cell: (713) 875-4336 Email:

MindSpark seeks out people on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum with behaviors that, while at odds with social norms, it considers are advantages in working with computer technology

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

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

AUTHORIZED PARTNER

5623 Hillcroft St.

713.783.0808

www.karat22.com

AUTHORIZED PARTNER

Sugar Land Ballroom • Ample parking • Dance floor • Close to Highway 59 & 90 • Seating capacity: 350 people Ask for special package price!

Call Gopal Aggarwal: 832-539-1589 869 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477

PROGRAMS & SERVICES AT INDIA HOUSE INDIA HOUSE CHARITY VOLUNTEER CLINIC Saturday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm By appointments only

HINDI LANGUAGE CLASSES Every Sunday Intermediate Hindi: 10:00 am to 11:00 am Elementary Hindi: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

FREE YOGA CLASSES Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 11:00 am

LEGAL CENTER Free Legal consultation by volunteer attorneys.

FREE MEDITATION CLASSES Saturday 11:00 am - 11:30 am

Family Law: Tuesday 6:00 - 7:00 pm Immigration: Saturday 1:00 - 3:00pm

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Monday to Friday 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

FREE KIDNEY SMART CLASSES 4th Thursday of each month.

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

By appointments only

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES FOR SENIORS (Registration Preferred) Sunday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm SAREEN CLINIC ( HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM) Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 11:00 am

TAPED BALL CRICKET Kids Cricket: Saturday after 1:00 pm India House Cricket Club: Saturday Mornings & Sunday Full Day EVENT HALL RENTALS Banquet Halls | Conference Rooms | Class Rooms

For more information and appointments contact: 713-929-1900 | Vipin@indiahouseinc.org | www.indiahouseinc.org | 8888 West Bellfort Ave., Houston, TX 77031

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 14

The fuel for Hong Kong’s engine: milk tea

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

BOOKS

Andy Alagappan, Author of the book “What The Heck Is Inbound Marketing�

Hits #1 on Amazon Best Seller’s List

by Laura MANNERING

H

ONG KONG, China | AFP | Sunday 8/21/2016 - Some cities are fuelled by coffee.

In Hong Kong, it’s milk tea that keeps things running -- a potent nostalgia-infused caffeine hit, with fierce competition to brew the best in town.

There are thousands of restaurants offering the full gamut of international cuisines, but the city’s no-frills dinerstyle cafes, some of them decades old, remain perennial favourites with locals, and still do a roaring trade.

Known in Cantonese as “cha chaan tengs� or “tea restaurants� they serve up cheap local favourites, from fried egg sandwiches and buttery French toast to noodle soups and macaroni.

The standard accompaniment is a milk tea, or “lai cha� -- a tangy, deep-tan brew made from blends of black tea strained repeatedly for strength, then mixed with condensed or evaporated milk.

The city gulps down around 2.5 million cups a day.

At family-run tea shop Lan Fong Yuen, on a hilly market street in Hong Kong’s Central district, business shows no sign of slowing after 60 years.

Owner Lam Chun-chung says the nofuss nature of Hong Kong’s tea restaurants plays a big role in their popularity in a fast-paced city. “People are always in a rush. Having a quick bite with milk tea is fast and convenient,� says Lam, who adds that his cafe has much more character than the growing number of sterile coffee shops.

Andy Alagappan, author.

A tea master makes a milk tea -- or “lai cha� -- a tangy brew made from blends of black tea strained repeatedly through a sock-like cloth, at a tea shop in Hong Kong’s Central district on August 10, 2016 (AFP Photo/Anthony Wallace). milk tea each day. It is an addiction, he says, but also a way to monitor standards.

- Extra punch Milk tea is a local institution and has even made it onto an official list of the city’s “intangible cultural heritage�.

Hong Kong’s Association of Coffee and Tea says it is also building a global fanbase.

The association has been running Hong Kong milk tea contests worldwide for the past seven years, and they are growing.

“We represent the grassroots. When you are here you feel a sense of community,� he says.

Earlier this month, competitors from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Australia all competed for the “KamCha� or “Golden Cup� award in the association’s largest tea competition, on home turf.

Customers sit around shared wooden tables, many stopping for just 10 minutes to grab a quick breakfast or midmorning boost.

Local contestant Chen Chi-ping, 44, emerged victorious -- he has been making milk tea in Hong Kong “cha chaan tengs� for 22 years.

A tea master juggles steaming pots on an electric stove, straining the hot brews through long cloth sieves -- a key utensil for any serious Hong Kong “lai cha� joint.

“Every detail has to be strictly precise -- the heat of the stove, the water temperature,� he says.

The sock-like strainer has lent Hong Kong milk tea one of its nicknames: “stocking milk tea�.

At this cafe, tea is strained seven times to intensify the flavour.

Lam taught the current tea master his skills and still drinks a cup or two of

G

The fragrance and potency, as well as the thick consistency, make Hong Kong-style milk tea unique, Chen adds.

It has flowed through the city’s arteries for more than half a century, according to association chairman Simon Wong, who tells how it was first served on Hong Kong’s docks to sailors and labourers, an earthy adaptation of the

weaker version made with fresh milk by the colonial British who governed at that time. “Hong Kong people wanted something with more punch. So we invented this type of brewing,� Wong says. The strength of the tea and the canned milk made it value for money -- few ordinary Hong Kongers at that time could afford fresh milk.

Wong’s father -- a tea trader -- was a proponent of the new concoction, setting up one of the first “cha chaan tengs� in Hong Kong, which still exists today.

Mainland China has now also developed a taste for Hong Kong-style milk tea, and immigrant communities across the world are introducing it to new countries, says Wong.

The winning formula? Both tea champion Chen and cafe owner Lam agree -- it is the passion to make a great cuppa. “The most important thing is to put your heart into it,� says Chen.

A

ndy Alagappan, best selling author hit #1 on the Amazon.com and International Best Sellers List on July 5thth, 2016 with the book, What The Heck Is Inbound Marketing? The book also ranked No. 1 in the Business Ethics and Search Engine Optimization categories in USA and Canada. It hit #5 in Germany.

What The Heck is Inbound Marketing book is a quick stress free overview of inbound marketing: SEO search engine optimization process.

SEO is a proven tactic of producing leads on line.

Andy Alagappan is an industry leader with more than 9 years of proven experience, Andy Alagappan provides proven B2B & B2C online inbound marketing solutions that helps websites to not only increase their web site traffic and sales, but also create online brands on search engines.

What is it? A quick and stress free overview of the inbound marketing: SEO / Search Engine Optimization process. Businesses will ask why do I require It? There is a revelation happening in specialized products and services promotion. Firms that bind inbound marketing and SEO’s power grow faster and be more profitable. Businesses need to understand how on line marketing will help their firm’s marketing.

Andy explains, “We’ve been doing online marketing, web development for nine years now. Basically the last five years, we shifted focus to more

Cover of the Book by Andy.

B2B clients, and we are also getting some enquires daily for B2C clients.

Online marketing visibility is not an option anymore. Prospects are starting to realize that. The Yellow Pages are pretty much dead. Newspaper ads, they can run some magazine ads to maybe get new business. The first question I ask potential clients is when they call me, how do you get new business? And then I Listen to what they say. That’s the main reason they call us. They want more new business.

We try to analyze where they are right now. What’s working, and what’s not working?

Obviously something is not working. That’s why they want to have a conversation with us. Online visibility is the future. The advent of smartphones, the searches from smartphone devices have increased more than desktop computers, and laptop searches. This is according to Google.

People are searching for the services whenever they want it, 11 o’clock at night or 5 in the morning, looking for solutions to help them in their business. This is the reality. This is what we educate our clients on, we don’t do any hard-selling . We just educate them. Here is what your competition is doing. Here is where you are today compared to these guys your competition. Look at their online presence, then we educate them on what it is they need to do.�

To find out more about Andy and his company go here: epromotionz.net What The Heck Is Inbound Marketing? Available on Amazon.com

Justin Guenley Attorney at Law

International Tax Law and Business Advisory Our Services: • Foreign Account Reporting • Estate Planning • FBAR - OVDI • International Tax Issues

Board CertiďŹ ed Labor and Employment Attorney Nitin Sud represents employees, executives, and small businesses in various employment matters, including the following:

• Litigation in state and federal courts • Wrongful termination and employment discrimination claims • Overtime claims • Employment contracts • Severance agreements • Non-compete and non-solicitation matters

For more information: Call 832-623-6420 or visit

www.sudemploymentlaw.com

Attorney Nitin Sud

• Streamline OVDI • Business Contracts • Civil Tax Controversy & Litigation

&45"5& 1-"//*/( 8JMM BOE 5SVTU GPSNBUJPO 1SPCBUJOH 8JMMT .FEJDBM 1PXFS PG "UUPSOFZ

$3*.*/"- -"8 %8*T %PNFTUJD "TTBVMU %SVH 1PTTFTTJPO "HHSBWBUFE "TTVBMUT 5IFGU -BSDFOZ

• Tax Planning & Business Transactions

#64*/&44 53"/4"$5*0/4 $POUSBDU 'PSNBUJPO #VTJOFTT 'PSNBUJPO #SFBDI PG $POUSBDU 3&"- &45"5& ."55&34 &WJDUJPOT -BOEMPSE 5FOBOU *TTVFT

• Tax Returns for H1-B Taxpayers Dynamic Contracts Consultants

Justin Guenley, Esq.,

8323 Southwest Frwy, Ste: 415, Houston, TX 77074 Member: State Bar of Texas, U.S. Tax Court, Southern District of Texas

CertiďŹ ed Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), CertiďŹ ed Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), CertiďŹ ed Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)

Justinbusinessattorney@gmail.com Ph: 713-552-9949 • Fax: 713-552-0810

www.contracts-consultants.com

LLC

6725 S Fry Road, Suite 700-346, Katy, TX 77494

U.S Federal government is the worlds biggest buyer, buying $500 billion worth of products and services annually.

Would you like to sell your products or services to federal/state/city/ local governments? We are a team of certiďŹ ed professional/federal/ commercial certiďŹ ed contracts consultants with 25+ years experience.

We can help you with the following:

Khalil Memon • Cradle to grave, in contracts initiation • Negotiation • Drafting • Writing • Compliance • Accounting practices (kal) Tel: 281-644-0509 • Cell: 832-677-7620 • kmemon@contracts-consultants.com

HEALTH, SC & TECH

VOICE OF ASIA 15

Keeping the bugs away the natural way - Part I

Meenakshi Bhattacharjee, Prof. Rice University, Houston, Texas

by Meenakshi Bhattacharjee

A

h summer: a time to slide into flip-flops and enjoy all that nature has to offer -- blue sky, fresh air, and ... mosquitoes!

A backyard barbecue isn’t complete without those pesky bugs.

A lot of people think that living the homesteader lifestyle means giving up on modern amenities, like mosquito repellent. While you might not be buying chemical-heavy sprays like others, you don’t actually have to just sit back and let mosquitoes and other bugs take over your life. In fact, there are a lot of highly effective natural ways to keep those bugs away from you, your home, and your garden.

Insect repellents are important public health tools for the prevention of vector-borne infectious diseases. Repellents have prevented countless cases of malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other mosquito-borne diseases and now the dreaded Zika. However, in recent years, concerns about the potential adverse health effects of insect repellents have increased, especially for those containing N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, also known as Deet. It repels a variety of mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, fleas, and biting flies, and an estimated 50 to 100 million people in the United States use it each year. Deet is absorbed through the skin into the systemic circulation; one study showed that about 10% to 15% of each dose can be recovered from the urine.

Although it has an excellent safety record, there have been sporadic reports of adverse reactions associated with its use.

If you live in an area where mosquitoes are more a mild nuisance, plant-based mosquito repellents often work just fine.

They may be a reasonable alternative to conventional mosquito repellents. But if you live in an area that is heavy with mosquitoes or you are prone to bites, you may not want to take any chances. Conventional

mosquito repellents containing higher concentrations (23.8%) of DEET or picaridin offer the best protection.

Although it may be unsettling to apply chemical repellents to your skin, it may be better than the alternative -- being bit by potentially disease-carrying bugs.

Natural Mosquito Repellents A mosquito repellent doesn’t actually kill mosquitoes. Repellents work by making people less attractive to mosquitoes, so they’re less likely to bite you.

Here are some you might want to consider: Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). This is natural, plantbased oil. It works as well at preventing mosquito bites as products that contain lower concentrations (6.65%) of DEET. PMD is a version of oil of lemon eucalyptus that is produced in a lab. Repellents containing OLE or PMD may provide up to two hours of protection.

If you decide to try OLE, make sure you buy the insect repellent version and not “pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil). They aren’t the same.

The safety and effectiveness of the essential oil as an insect repellent is not clear. Also, OLE should not be used in children under age 3.

IR3535. This is also known as Merck 3535. It is an active ingredient in some insect repellents. IR3535 was used for years in Europe before being registered by the EPA. It may offer up to two hours of mosquito protection. IR3535 is considered “natural” because it is structurally related to a naturally occurring chemical.

2-undecanone. This is derived from the tomato plant. It may offer 4.5 hours of protection from mosquitoes. It can be found in some insect repellents.

Oil of citronella. Mosquito repellents containing 10% citronella offer some protection.

But University of Florida re-

searchers say the protection may only last for 20 minutes at most. Not all products containing citronella are registered by the EPA. Catnip oil. This insect repellent is derived from the Nepeta cataria plant. It may offer mosquito protection for seven hours, according to the EPA.

Doug Parker, COO of nuTonomy, the developer of the software for driverless taxis, pictured alongside one of the vehicles during an interview with AFP reporter in Singapore on August 29, 2016 ©Roslan Rahman (AFP).

Many other natural ingredients are currently being studied as mosquito repellent. These include: fennel; thyme; clove oil; celery extract; neem oil.

However, more studies are needed to verify their safety and efficacy.

INGAPORE, Singapore | AFP | - A US software firm which chose Singapore for the world’s first public trial of driverless taxis hopes to be operating in 10 Asian and US cities by 2020, an executive said Monday.

Other Alternatives to Keep Mosquitoes Away Mosquito repellent is one way to protect against mosquito bites. But there are other steps you can take to help keep the bugs away.

Cover up. Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, closedtoe shoes, and a hat when you go outside. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks to prevent mosquitoes from sneaking under your clothes. When it’s 90 degrees outside, this may be the last thing you want to do. But it’s one way to help prevent mosquito bites without using chemical mosquito repellent.

Use fans: If the air is moving, mosquitoes will have a hard time landing on you. When you are sitting on the porch, turn on a fan.

Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Eliminate places in your yard where water can collect, such as: open buckets; plastic covers; trash can lids; unplanted flower pots. Be sure to change the water in bird baths weekly. Keep your pool water circulating and treated.

Stay inside at dusk and dawn: Mosquitoes are most active in the evening when the sun sets and early morning when the sun rises. You can still be bitten during the day. But there are usually fewer mosquitoes buzzing around at that time.

Continued next week

Astrologer, Vaastu & Gem Stone Consultant

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

Vaastushastra, the ancient science of land.

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

4

6

3K 2

Mn, Gu

7

1

Shani

Su, Bu

10

8 9R

Mang

Driverless taxi firm eyes operations in 10 cities by 2020

A mosquito repellent doesn’t actually kill mosquitoes. Repellents work by making people less attractive to mosquitoes.

Youngest Astrologer of North America

5

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

12V Kindly Note: Astrology & VaastuShastra are 11

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

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

Listen to me live on Sound Asia 10.50AM Radio

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

www.toaskfuture.com

by Martin ABBUGAO

S

Doug Parker, nuTonomy’s chief operating officer, said the firm is eyeing tests by early next year in three other Asian countries which he declined to name.

He said an announcement of the test venues would be made within the next month or so.

The company last week kicked off the world’s first driverless taxi service in a limited trial for invited people in a Singapore research campus.

Parker, 41, said nuTonomy was also considering trials in the Middle East, the United States and Britain.

More than a dozen people in Singapore have already experienced a ride in the “robotaxi” within the confines of one-north, an enclave of technology and science research

institutes outside the central business district.

- ‘Pretty excited’ “I think people are pretty excited that the car is driving itself. I would say they start apprehensive and scared but by the second block they start to enjoy it,” Parker said.

The current test car -- a modified Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle -- plies a 2.5 square mile (4.0 square km) area with set pick-up and drop off points.

Trips must be booked through the company’s smartphone app and are currently by invitation only.

Five other test cars -- Renault Zoes -- will be added to the fleet next month.

Data from the experiment will feed into the rollout of driverless taxis across Singapore in 2018, said Parker, adding that by 2020 “we would like to be in 10 cities in Asia, the United States and maybe Europe”.

He also said a number of realestate developers from Asia and the United States have contacted the company “about how they can use autonomous

cars in their eco-friendly communities”.

Parker said the vehicle, equipped with sophisticated laser, radar and cameras, has so far experienced navigating among buses, slowing down at pedestrian lanes and adjusting to unplanned street scenes.

“One day we pulled out of here and literally five buses of schoolchildren pulled up on this very narrow street. And the buses were trading positions,” he said “We’ve seen forklifts, we’ve seen people with wheelbarrows just right here on this one street.”

Parker said nuTonomy chose Singapore for the public tests rather than Silicon Valley because of the presence of a “loyal technical talent” -- including people with doctorates in robotics -- whom it does not have to share with other companies like Ford and Apple.

The company also has the full support of the Singapore government and the city-state’s flat terrain, well-marked roads and disciplined drivers make it well suited for driverless cars, Parker said.

60% of key S.Asian water basin not usable: study

P

ARIS, FRANCE | AFP | Sixty percent of the groundwater in a river basin supporting more than 750 million people in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh is not drinkable or usable for irrigation, researchers said Monday.

The biggest threat to groundwater in the Indo-Gangetic Basin, named after the Indus and Ganges rivers, is not depletion but contamination, they reported in the journal Nature Geosci-

ence.

“The two main concerns are salinity and arsenic,” the authors of the study wrote.

Up to a depth of 200 metres (650 feet), some 23 percent of the groundwater stored in the basin is too salty, and about 37 percent “is affected by arsenic at toxic concentrations,” they said.

The Indo-Gangetic basin accounts for about a quarter of the global extraction of groundwater -- freshwater which is stored

underground in crevices and spaces in soil or rock, fed by rivers and rainfall.

Fifteen-to-twenty million wells extract water from the basin every year amid growing concerns about depletion.

The new study -- based on local records of groundwater levels and quality from 2000 to 2012 -- found that the water table was in fact stable or rising across about 70 percent of the aquifer.

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Section 2

Young Life

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Fort Bend ISD seeks adult volunteers to Sugar Land’s Halloween Town serve as mentors to students at all levels set for Sugar Land Town Square Interested individuals invited to attend a one-hour mentor training on September 14

F

ORT BEND ISD (August 30, 2016) – Parents and community members who have a desire to help equip and inspire students to be successful, in school and in life, are invited to join Fort Bend ISD’s Mentor Team. Volunteer mentors devote 30-45 minutes a week to students at all levels to help them reach their full potential.

“Fort Bend ISD understands

the value of engaging adults in the lives of students,” said Pamela Shaw, Director of Parent and Community Engagement. “Through our mentor program, adults have an opportunity to serve as positive role models who provide our students with the added support they need to succeed.”

Individuals interested in serving as an FBISD mentor are invited to attend a onetime training on Wednesday,

September 14, from 9:3010:30 a.m., in the FBISD Administration Building Board Room (16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479).

If you want to make a positive influence in a child’s life, then consider joining FBISD’s Mentor Team. All mentors are required to complete a criminal history background application before volunteering on a campus. For more information, call (281) 634-1109.

FBISD parents invited to refer students for Gifted and Talented testing and identification through Sept. 30 Families can access the online referral form by logging into Family Access or by visiting their child’s counselor

F

ORT BEND ISD (August 29, 2016) – Fort Bend ISD offers Gifted and Talented (GT) services to provide learning opportunities that challenge and develop the abilities of identified gifted students through critical, creative, and self-directed learning, as well as meet their social and emotional needs.

FBISD provides GT services in math, science, English Language Arts and social studies at all grade levels and at all FBISD schools.

FBISD parents who would like to refer their children (in grades K-11) for GT testing and identification are asked to complete the online Parent Referral Form, which can be accessed in Family Access.

The 2016 Fall GT Testing Referral window will be open

until September 30.

As a convenience to families who do not have technology access at home, referral forms may also be obtained from the counselor at your child’s school. Parents are asked to complete the printed form and return it to the school counselor.

GT Information Meetings – Sept. 7 and 19 FBISD will host two GT Information Meetings to provide parents with details about the GT program and the referral process. The meetings will be held September 7 and 19 in the Main Auditorium of the FBISD Administrative Annex (3119 Sweetwater, Sugar Land 77479), from 6:30 –

7:30 p.m. Parents can attend either of the two meetings.

(Attendance is not required to refer a child for GT testing.)

GT services for kindergarten students begin March 1, 2017. Services for students in grades 1-11 will begin at the start of the 2017-18 school year. Students currently identified as Gifted and Talented do not need to be referred to maintain their current identification. Identified students are only referred if they want to be tested for identification in additional subject areas.

Aliana, Riverstone, Harvest Green or ANY New area

95 $9

Sweetwater: 6 Beds, 5.5 Baths, Both formals and ideal for a large family needing lots of space.

$3

Telfair, Sugar Land, One Story 3 beds, 2 baths, Formal dining and Study.

5,000 $ 38

,000

Riverstone: Luxury home with 6 Beds 5.5 Baths / 6759 sq.ft with pool and spa

00 80,0

Lake Lot in Alkire Lake, Sugar Land.

2.25 Acres with over 400 feet on the Lake.

.00 ,000 9 9 $4

5,000 1 2 $

7575 Kirby Dr. 1 bed 1 bath. Close to Med Center and Downtown

Hurry because limited space is provided per category. Be the first to sign up your child or pet using the contest entry form at www.sugarlandtx.gov/halloweentown.

A free shuttle service will run from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Sugar Land Town Square from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Limited parking will also be available in the Texas and Lone Star garages located in Town Square.

Want to be recognized for your community involvement and have an opportunity to connect with hundreds of local families? Contact Shondra Holmes via email at sholmes@ sugarlandtx.gov or call 281275-2046 to discuss sponsor-

MIT accepts student who never finished school

00 80,0

,6 $1

Large Spacious home 5/4.5/2 in Gannoway Lakes, Sugar Land. Both formals, 2 Beds Down.

Just remember, no blood or gruesome horror elements, as Halloween Town is for friendly ghosts, goblins and ghouls. Admission is free to the community. Children and pets in their Halloween best are invited to enter Halloween Town’s costume contest in the following categories:

Bellaire/West U: 4 Beds. 3.5 Baths.

Formal dining and Gameroom

,6 $1

00 18,0

Festive Halloween characters will roam Town Square inviting children to participate in several activity stations and attractions provided by local organizations and businesses.

Come enjoy a giant inflatable Halloween Maze, take a ride on the Halloween Express or decorate a pumpkin at the Munchkin Pumpkin Patch!

For more information, visit the GT Testing webpage or call the GT Office at (281) 634-1129. Click here for instructions on accessing the Referral Form.

RED HOT SUMMER SALE 9,000 9 5 $

S

UGAR LAND, Texas Calling all ghosts and goblins galore! Halloween Town returns to Sugar Land Town Square on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 4-8 p.m. All little witches, superheroes, princesses and other creative characters are invited to bring their families and pets for an evening of friendly surprises and spooks.

Image: International Olympiad Of Informatics / Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Not that schoolwork isn’t important, but it turns out there are other ways to get into elite colleges like MIT. Take the story of Malvika Raj Joshi, a 17 year-old from Mumbai who recently received her acceptance letter from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Despite dropping out during Class VII school (the equivalent of seventh grade in the U.S.), Joshi was very ac-

tive in international computer science competitions, which attracted MIT’s notice.

It started when Joshi and her family members made the decision to “unschool” her, something they initially found risky, reported the Indian Express.

Only one Indian college, the Chennai Mathematical Institute, would take her.

From there, she started com-

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT home in Grand Mission: 5/3.5/3 Both formals, large Prayer/Media room

Call Ron Aga 832 423-6973

Champions Real Estate Group 6117 Richmond Ave. Ste: 120, Houston, TX 77057

More on Young Life Log on for regular updates at www.voiceofasiaonline.com

peting in the International Olympiad of Informatics, where she’s placed for the last three years in computing, with two silver medals and one bronze.

Turns out, MIT noticed and offered her admission in its computer science program.

So it’s possible to drop out of school and still end up in one of one of the most prestigious schools on the market. Just win some Olympiads.

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Section 2

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Bollywood Masala

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Adult star Sunny Leone changing Bollywood’s views on sex

Tel: 713-774-5140

Will Smith in Mumbai: Parties and Prayers Will Smith joined Akshay Kumar (rt) as he celebrated Rustom’s success.

The super-secret guest was joined by Karan Johar, Sonakshi Sinha and Varun Dhawan partied who all partied till late.

hear, were cordial to each other and were even seen posing in a group picture but at either extremes.

M

UMBAI, India — For all their bare skin, suggestive dialogue and racy dance sequences, Bollywood movies generally are a marvel of chastity. The world’s biggest film industry is so squeamish about sex that its biggest stars rarely even kiss on screen.

Then there’s Sunny Leone.

Anyone with an internet connection can watch Leone do a lot more than kiss, and many Indians have. She consistently ranks as the most Googled person in the country, less for her roles in a dozen-odd Bollywood B-movies than for her previous career as one of the biggest porn stars in America.

Working in Los Angeles in the 2000s, she was a Penthouse Pet of the Year, starred in such titles as “Alabama Jones and the Busty Crusade,” created a line of sex toys and launched a production company called SunLust. At the height of her success, she left adult entertainment behind and found an unlikely second act in India, where her parents were born.

Since cavorting onto Indian screens in a reality TV show in 2011, Leone’s deep hazel eyes and endearingly Americanaccented Hindi have won over fans, if not critics. But it is her past career — and the sexual freedom it represents — that has elevated her to an object of fascination.

“For someone with my background to cross over to the mainstream, it’s next to impossible,” said Leone, 35.

It seems especially unlikely in India, which is striving to be a sophisticated, modern power but still hews to a buttoned-up public morality. This is the civilization that produced the Kama Sutra, that ancient guidebook to

human sexuality, yet today pornography is banned. Cops have been known to arrest couples for making out in public. Sex education in schools is nearly nonexistent, and huge numbers of young people still get married having never laid eyes on their partner.

Enter Leone, who has become something of a national sex ed teacher.

In her early Bollywood movies, relatively low-budget affairs with gossamer-thin story lines, she played exotic, sexually liberated characters — including a porn star, twice.

Promoting a brand of condoms called Manforce, she extols the virtues of using protection and undergoing routine STD tests.

Refreshingly direct about her adult film career, she refuses to apologize for what she calls a personal choice, saying she found the women in porn to be beautiful.

“I look at things differently than people do here,” said Leone, sheathed in a floor-length striped dress punctuated by stiletto heels, smiling earnestly across a desk in a Mumbai office. “When I watch a movie, sex and intimate scenes and getting close to someone is the norm. It’s not something abnormal. It happens every day.”

The backlash has been predictable. Some politicians have accused her of threatening Indian culture and even — following one particularly steamy condom commercial — encouraging rape. Many middle-class filmgoers won’t see her movies, and the big-name stars she idolized long kept a polite distance.

But the vast majority of Indians appear to have accepted her.

“She’s part of the sexual revolution in India, where sex is coming out of the closet and

people are becoming more curious and accepting of it,” said Ira Trivedi, author of “India in Love: Marriage and Sexuality in the 21st Century.”

“Her timing couldn’t be better. I don’t think people would have received her with the same openness five or seven years ago.”

This year, after a cringe-inducing interview with a talkshow host who asked Leone about fears that she would steal women’s husbands — and wondered if he was being “morally corrupted” by sitting with her — fans, commentators and fellow actors ridiculed the host and praised Leone for responding with grace.

“There are a group of people who don’t agree with my choices and are very vocal and don’t like me,” Leone said. “But I’m very fortunate and I have more people that have been supportive.

“I’m not here to preach anything at all. My goal is, I was given a chance to shoot mainstream cinema.

OK, it’s not in English. OK, it’s halfway across the world.

But it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

She was born Karenjit Kaur Vohra, to Punjabi Sikh immigrant parents in the Canadian town of Sarnia, on the shores of Lake Huron. At home with her mother, she watched Bollywood movies and dreamed of stardom.

After her family moved to Southern California when she was a teenager, she studied to become a nurse while looking for a career in modeling. An agent introduced her to the idea of posing nude, and at 20 she made the cover of Penthouse, where she acquired her stage name.

M

UMBAI - Will Smith had a special host when he came to Mumbai on Sunday and it was none other than the actor with the Midas touch, Akshay Kumar.

At a special bash hosted by Akshay at his residence to celebrate his super successful year (Akshay has delivered three Rs 100-crore hits in 2016 — Airlift, Housefull 3 and Rustom), Will Smith was seen partying hard with host Kumar, wife Twinkle and other well-heeled Bollywood denizens.

Among those who made it to the bash were Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Rohit Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shraddha Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha among others. Says

a source, “Akshay played the perfect host by taking care of everyone’s comfort. Will also tingled his taste buds by savouring some Indian delicacies prepared at Akshay’s place.

Akshay also introduced Will to all other important guests who were present at the bash. Will looked very happy and met and greeted everyone with warmth.

He also clicked pictures with the guests.”

Akshay later posed with Will Smith for photojournalists present to cover the bash. And the Men In Black star looked delighted to be in Khiladi Kumar’s company.

The party which started at close to 9 pm spilled into midnight as stars let their hair down. Arjun and Sonakshi, rumoured former couple, we

SRK’s ‘Darr’ gets web series reboot

F

ilmmaker Yash Chopra’s 1993 psychological thriller “Darr”, which earned superstar Shah Rukh Khan the tag of an ‘anti-hero’, is making a comeback as a web series.

“Darr: A Violent Love Story” also starred Sunny Deol and Juhi Chawla in the lead roles. The film was about an obsessive lover Rahul (Shah Rukh), who creates havoc in the happily life of Kiran and Sunil (Juhi-Sunny).

“Darr 2.0”, backed by Y-Films, a YRF offshoot, will feature the characters of Rahul, Kiran and Sunil from the original but in an entirely new milieu, weaved in a modern, original tale of obsession and fear in the age of cyber stalking and digital crimes.

The five-part series aims to hold a mirror to the perilous environment of online privacy invasion and social media harassment that can take a dangerous and disturbing turn, if unchecked. It has been directed by Vikas Chandra, who was an associate creative producer on YRF’s “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy”.

The series has a story by Nikhil Taneja, with screenplay and dialogues written by Shubham Yogi and Taneja. The cast is yet to be announced.

This year has been an exceptional year for Akshay with all his three releases hitting the bull’s eye with alacrity. Rustom, despite clashing with Hrithik Roshan’s Mohenjo Daro, did roaring business at the box-office. Talking about Hrithik, one didn’t spot him at the party yesterday despite him and Akshay residing in the same building, which was the venue for the party yesterday.

Perhaps he dropped in later by which time we had signed out.

Or may be the Greek God is perhaps not in town.

On Will Smith, the Hollywood star managed to quietly sneak into the maximum city.

The last time he was in the country, Bollywood laid out a red carpet for him. While it is not clear yet how long Will is in town for, we would love to see a collaboration between Will and Akshay. Now that would be a real casting coup.

T

he censor board is back in news for suggesting 3 cuts in the upcoming Katrina Kaif starrer “Baar Baar Dekho”.

According to reports, the board has objected to a shot of brassiere and a scene with reference to the adult comic series “Savita Bhabhi”.

When contacted, Anurag Srivastav, CEO, Central Board of Film Certification, confirmed that board has suggested cuts but said it was part of the normal certification process.

“We have suggested threefour cuts for this film. We can’t reveal what cuts and objections we have raised.

Any film that violates the guidelines are given cuts.

It’s normal,” Srivastav told PTI.

Your OB-GYN of Choice: Dr. Rachna Bhala, M.D Obstetrics, Gynecology, Infertility, Laser and Micro Surgery

Comprehensive Care for Women and Adolescents

ARDMS Certified Ultrasounds on Premises 713-271-2708 Methodist Sugar Land

S.W Memorial Hospital

16605 S.W Freeway, Suite:365 Sugar Land, TX 77479

7777 S.W Freeway, Suite:748 Houston, TX 77074

Anywhere Security System www.a-oneinternational.com

Surveillance System Home Theater

A ONE INTERNATIONAL 281-493-1888 10148 Hwy 6, S., Sugar Land, TX 77498

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

HEALTHY LIVING VOICE OF ASIA

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Man with no symptoms spread Zika to sex partner: officials

M

IAMI, United States | AFP | Friday 8/26/2016 - US health officials Friday reported the first known case of a man who acquired Zika virus while traveling, showed no symptoms, and infected his female partner during unprotected sex.

The case suggests the risk of Zika’s spread may be far greater than previously understood, and may lead to more stringent recommendations about who should practice protected sex and for how long after traveling to Zikaaffected areas, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The man, who lived in Maryland, traveled to the Dominican Republic earlier this year and returned without reporting any symptoms of Zika, which can include rash, joint pain, fever and red eyes.

He had condomless sex with a female partner on two occasions, 10 and 14 days after his return.

On the 16th day after his return, the woman developed a fever and rash.

In June, Maryland health authorities were notified of the case, and the woman tested positive for Zika.

She reported no other sex partners in the two weeks before her infection arose, and no blood transfusions or organ transplants either.

AETNA Pulling Out of 11 ACA Exchanges

ners has traveled to an area with active Zika virus transmission but did not develop symptoms.

“Semen collected on Day 31 had no detectable Zika virus.”

But now, the “findings in this report indicate that it might be appropriate to consider” anyone who has unprotected sex with a person returning from an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission “as exposed to Zika virus, regardless of whether the returning traveler reports symptoms of Zika virus infection,” it said.

However, the man said his only symptom was feeling a bit tired, which he chalked up to having recently traveled.

Men who are diagnosed with Zika should wait far longer – at least six months – before attempting conception, officials said.

The man got tested 29 days after his return, and the results confirmed “a recent, unspecified flavivirus infection,” said the CDC, referring to a family of viruses which includes Zika, dengue and West Nile.

Zika is primarily a mosquito-borne virus that causes no symptoms in four out of five of those affected.

But if pregnant women are infected, they face a higher risk of having a baby with head and brain defects, a condition known as microcephaly.

In this case, the female partner was not pregnant, the CDC said.

Currently, the CDC urges couples who want to become pregnant to wait at least eight weeks if one of the part-

And women who are confirmed positive for Zika are urged to wait at least eight weeks before trying to get pregnant.

Researchers are aware of just one other case in which a man without symptoms might have sexually transmitted Zika virus to his female partner.

But in that case, since they both had traveled to a country with ongoing Zika transmission, it could not be ruled out that the woman was infected by a mosquito bite.

US urges all donated blood undergo tests for Zika

by Kerry SHERIDAN

M

IAMI, | AFP | Friday 8/26/2016 Donated blood should be tested for the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects, US regulators warned Friday amid a mounting outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus in the United States.

“There is still much uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of Zika virus transmission,” said Peter Marks, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“At this time, the recommendation for testing the entire blood supply will help ensure that safe blood is available for all individuals who might need transfusion.”

The move revises a previous FDA guideline issued in February that recommended active screening of donated blood only in “areas with active Zika virus transmission.”

But now, as evidence of sexual transmission mounts and those infected often show no symptoms, even stricter safeguards are needed across the nation, said the FDA.

The US Food and Drug Administration has revised a previous guideline issued in February that recommended active screening of donated blood only in “areas with active Zika virus transmission” (AFP Photo/Chandan Khanna). in by people who were infected while traveling abroad.

Zika virus is reduced,” said the FDA.

There are 584 pregnant women in the mainland United States with lab evidence of Zika infection, and 812 in the US territories.

Zika is primarily spread by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito, but it can also be transmitted sexually.

“The FDA is updating its guidance after careful consideration of all available scientific evidence, consultation with other public health agencies, and taking into consideration the potential serious health consequences of Zika virus infection to pregnant women and children born to women exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy,” said an agency statement.

Last month, Florida announced its first cases of locally transmitted Zika, with 42 infections.

More than 2,500 people in the United States have been diagnosed with Zika, along with more than 9,000 in the US territories such as Puerto Rico, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Indeed, one unit of donated blood in Florida was recently found to contain Zika virus and was intercepted, Marks told reporters on a conference call.

Most of those cases were brought

“Testing of donated blood is already underway in Florida and Puerto Rico, as well as in other areas, and it has shown to be beneficial in identifying donations infected with Zika virus,” said the FDA statement.

The expanded testing of the US blood supply “will be in effect until the risk of transfusion transmission of

Tel: 713-774-5140

- Sexual spread -

Shoppers living in over twothirds of the 778 counties where Aetna currently offers Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange plans won’t have access to them next year.

In a statement on Monday, Aetna’s CEO Mark Bertolini reported that the insurer is leaving 11 of the 15 state ACA exchanges where it presently provides coverage. The move is one of the latest blows to the ACA. UnitedHealth Group announced its plan to leave most ACA exchanges for 2017 back in April.

Recently, Humana announced it’s pulling out of nearly 1,200 counties across eight states next year, and selling on-exchange plans in only 156 counties and 11 states.

Some Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are also reducing their presence on ACA exchanges.

Why the Sudden, Drastic Move?

Earlier this year, Aetna officials stated that it was too early to give up on the ACA exchanges. So, why did they change their minds?

Aetna reports it is reacting to past and projected financial losses. At the end of the second quarter, Aetna showed a pre-tax loss of $200 million for their individual products. Since January 2014, the insurer has lost over $430 million in their ACA line of business.

Others speculate that Aetna’s decision to diminish their offerings could also be retaliation against the government for filing suit to block the company’s proposed merger with Humana.

Where Will Aetna Offer ACA Exchange Plans in 2017?

Aetna will continue to offer ACA exchange plans in Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, and Virginia for 2017. These products will be available to shoppers living in 242 counties.

The company will still offer individual insurance products in select other states off the exchanges.

However, shoppers who purchase off-exchange policies are not eligible for subsidies offered by the which may include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.

“As new scientific and epidemiological information regarding Zika virus has become available, it’s clear that

Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6776 Southwest Freeway Suite # 178 Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com

government.

What Does Aetna’s Departure Mean for the ACA Market?

This news increases the growing concern over how accessible and affordable health care will remain for ACA shoppers.

With big name insurers leaving exchanges on their own terms and ACA CO-OPs continuing to fail, it’s unclear how much freedom of choice consumers will truly have during the upcoming Open Enrollment.

In several counties, shoppers are down to having only one or two options to choose from on their state exchanges. Due to Aetna’s departure, one county in Arizona currently has no exchange product available.

In June, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona announced it would be withdrawing its ACA business from Pinal County and Maricopa County, but keep selling elsewhere in the state. This left Aetna as the only insurer offering an on-exchange product for Pinal County. Now, since Aetna’s leaving, people living there have no ACA plans available to them on the exchange.

For Medicare/Healthcare planning contact Sudhir Mathuria @ 713-771-2900. additional precautionary measures are necessary,” said Luciana Borio, the FDA’s acting chief scientist.

The World Health Organization says 53 countries around the world have reported Zika outbreaks since 2015.

On Friday, US authorities announced the first known case of a man who had Zika but did not know because he showed no symptoms -- and then subsequently infected his female partner during unprotected sex.

Four out of five people who get Zika do not show any of the common symptoms,

Call Today!

281-888-2705

Timeless Therapy from Nature

Primary Care Physician

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

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

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

“We are a caregiver information and advocacy website that all Texans could use”

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

www.santhigramusa.com Save More with our Membership Packages

Member, IACCGH

houston@santhigramusa.com

• SENIORS FOCUSED WEBSITE Brian Mertz • TXCSS RESOURCE DIRECTORY CEO • UPCOMING CAREGIVER EVENTS • ADVERTISE IN OUR RESOURCE DIRECTORY

support@texascaregiversupport.com

Visit us at: www.texascaregiversupport.com

VOICE OF ASIA 19

Section 2

Woman’s Life

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Ganga Jamuna - the inspirational novel of one mother’s love for her children based on a true story SOLD: Human Trafficking

Sunita Lad Bhamray, Author of the book ‘Ganga Jamuna.’ Image: FaceBook

Ganga Jamuna. Book Cover.

zealous single mother must travel from her home in Nepal to Singapore in order to access an experimental surgery that could save her conjoined twins in this empowering novel of love and survival.

new surgery performed exclusively in Singapore. With only the few supplies she can carry - and the advice and support of her friends - Abani begins the impossible passage across the Indian continent: a mother’s mission to save her unborn children.

Abani has so far lived a life of quiet resolve. Admired by strangers for her striking beauty and soft-spoken demeanour, she has pressed on without complaint through the challenges life has thrown at her growing up in a poor family. After she learns she is pregnant with conjoined twins, Abani faces an even greater trial: the only hope she has of saving the lives of bothherchildren is a revolutionary

Ganga Jamuna is inspired by the true story of Sandhya Shreshtha, a woman forced to make a similar journey from Nepal to Singapore in the hope that specialise medical intervention would help her own conjoined babies. After their experimental surgery, Shreshtha and her children were able to return home with a wonderful new lease on life and the chance of a happy future.

A

Ganga Jamuna is an inspiring story of perseverance in the face of life’s direst adversities as it illuminates the powerful a forces of motherhood and friendship and the profound role they play in all our lives. At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Lad Bhamray’s novel will empower and motivate readers to seek hope and kinship at in their darkest hour. Lad Bhamray herself was so moved by the challenges faced by mothers and children who struggle to access medical treatment and pioneering surgery, that she has started a special crowdfunding campaign for the Sandhya Shreshtha family to help cover critical future reconstructive surgeries.

About the author: Sunita Lad Bhamray is an author and educator living in Singapore with her husband and two children. After earning her graduate degree and enjoying a long and rewarding career teaching internationally, Lad Bhamray now devotes her time to writing. Ganga Jamuna is her third book; her first, Triumphs on the Turf, released in 2011, was about horse racing in India. It was followed

by Grandma Lim’s Persimmons, a storybook for children, in 2013. Ganga Jamuna by Sunita Lad Bhamray (published by Kitaab International 8th April, 2016) is available to buy from online retailers including Amazon and can be ordered from all good bookstores.

Muslim women accused of terrorism by restaurateur complain OBIGNY, France (AFP) Two veiled women who were told by a French restaurateur that all Muslims are terrorists then forced to leave the restaurant complained to authorities Monday, an anti-Islamophobia campaign group said.

B

The Collective against Islamophobia in France (CCIF), which is supporting the women, said that the incident represented a “racist shift” in French society as prosecutors opened an investigation into possible “religious discrimination”.

The encounter at Le Cenacle restaurant in Tremblay-enFrance outside Paris was filmed by one of the two women and posted online and shows the other saying: “We don’t want to be served by racists.”

The man in the smartphone clip responds that “racists like me don’t plant bombs and don’t kill people”. He added that “terrorists are Muslim and all Muslims are terrorists. I don’t want people like you in my place.

Now you know it you can get out”.

The restaurateur later apologised to the “entire Muslim community” for his actions as calls to boycott his establishment flooded social media sites alongside negative reviews.

The CCIF said in a statement that it intends to pursue a civil claim against the man and would press for “exemplary damages” to end the “impunity of Islamophobic violence and discrimination”.

It also accused the government and France’s political class of being responsible for creating a climate in which such incidents can occur.

The row comes as a debate about the wearing of the burkini reached fever pitch.

Around 30 towns have banned the burkini from their beaches, with some mayors linking the bans to the massacre of 84 people in the southern French town of Nice last month.

It was on Nice’s famous seafront promenade that a jihadist ploughed a 19-tonne truck into a massive crowd celebrating Bastille Day on July 14, killing the 84 and wounding more than 400 other people.

Sone town mayors have vowed to maintain their burkini ban despite a ruling by France’s highest administrative court that the prohibitions are unconstitutional.

is Modern Slavery

“SOLD,” (2014) Asia Society Texas www.asiasociety.org

Screen Asia - SOLD: Human Trafficking is Modern Slavery Thursday, September 15 at Asia Society Texas, 1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004 6:30 pm - SOLD screening, 8:00 pm - Panel discussion

Based on true stories, SOLD tells the unforgettable story of a girl who risks everything for freedom after

being trafficked from her mountain village in Nepal to a brothel in India. The film illustrates the brutality of child trafficking, and gives a voice to the millions of children enslaved every year.

SOLD is a call to action, and a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with experts about the gravity of the issue locally and what legislation has been created to address this crime.

About the Panelists Jay Guerro Jay Guerrero is United States Senator John Cornyn’s Regional Director for Southeast Texas.

Eesha Pandit is a Houston-based writer, activist and consultant. She is the co-founder and Managing Partner of the Center For Advancing Innovative Policy.

Minal Patel Davis serves as the Special Advisor to Mayor Sylvester Turner on Human Trafficking.

Moderator: Bob Sanford Dr. Bob Sanborn is the President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK.

VOICE OF ASIA 20

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Section 2

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Business VOICE OF ASIA

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Eight panelists at the Annual IACCGH Chinese giant Supplier Diversity Lunch and Learn to buy Pakistani

power company

MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Marian Nimon spoke of supplier credibility and quality commitment while Cindi Salas of CenterPoint Energy highlighted the “creativity and innovation” that suppliers brought to the table.

K

ARACHI, Pakistan (AFP - Aug 31, 2016) Chinese multinational Shanghai Electric is set to buy the utility serving Pakistan’s biggest city of Karachi, in a $1.6 billion deal that will be the biggest private-sector acquisition in the country’s history.

Donovan Casanave outlined Shell’s guidelines that would help a supplier “fit into their corporate pipeline”

Supplier Diversity Panel: L to R: Shurronda Murray, Carlecia Wright, April Day, Ingrid Robinson, Jewel Smith, Donavan Casanova, Marian Nimon, Annie Lidge, Cindi Salas. Photography by: Bijay Dixit - Unique Photo Images

by Manu Shah ertification brings visibility to a business and promotes growth. This was the message shared by 8 panelists at the Annual IACCGH Supplier Diversity event held at the Hess Club on 23rd August.

The event which drew over 100 attendees is in the words of Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia “a continued commitment by the Chamber to educate the community about the benefits of certification as a Women or Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE).”

C

Energy invited the panelists to share “resources and nuggets of information” that would be important for business success.

Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council President Ingrid Robinson underscored the fact that Certification validates a Company’s status as a 51% minority owned business to major corporations. In addition to certification, HMSDC also helps suppliers connect with companies, advocates on behalf of minorities and provides access to national/international markets.

Welcoming the gathering, President Joya Shukla also emphasized the Chamber’s commitment of connecting diversity suppliers to corporations. Chief Guest, VP Fred Whipple highlighted Shell’s efforts to encourage supplier diversity for the past 20 years.

Today the Company had redoubled its efforts to build more suppliers as it fosters better cost structure among other benefits.

“Get every certification you can get” was Women Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA) President April Day’s advice.

Certification by the WBEA assured Corporates that the woman owned business had been “vetted” and given the stamp of approval. The organization, she noted, also helps in capacity building programs and opportunities to connect with other Women Owned Businesses.

Affirming that “no organization stands alone” Moderator Jewel Smith of CenterPoint

Carlecia Wright from the City of Houston stepped up to stress that “certification can be

leveraged in many ways.” The Office also certifies on behalf of Texas Transportation facilitating suppliers interested in working with METRO, TxDOT or the airports. The office also helps suppliers navigate the business process and offers free legal service once a month.

METRO’s External Relations Officer Shurronda Murray encouraged the gathering to register as a Vendor and get certified as a METRO Small Business Enterprise. Certification by METRO is free, good for 3 years and race and gender neutral. It also offers eligibility to bid on contracts with SBE goals and notice of procurement opportunities.

Midway, the dialogue turned to four corporate representatives who outlined the qualities they looked for in suppliers. Each of them added a supplier diversity success story.

Global engineering giant FLUOR’s Supplier Diversity Manager Annie Lidge described high safety records as an overriding factor in choosing a supplier.

HMSDC Past President Richard Huebner, considered the father of Diversity in Houston, was also present in the house and was presented a plaque for his efforts in promoting the concept of supplier diversity. On behalf of the Chamber, he presented plaques of appreciation to the panelists.

China is stepping up investment in its South Asian neighbour as part of a $46 billion project unveiled last year that will link its western Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar port with a series of infrastructure, power and transport upgrades.

The Chamber is hosting its 17th Annual Gala at the Hilton Americas on September 9th with Keynote Speaker Bruce Culpepper President Shell USA. For more information, please log onto www. iaccgh.com

“We have received the public announcement of intention for acquisition of up to 66.4 percent of the shares of KElectric Limited by Shanghai Electric Limited,” a Pakistan Stock Exchange notification said.

The Karachi Electric Corporation, set up in 1913 as a public-sector company, was sold to Saudi Arabia’s Aljomaih Group in 2005, who in turn sold it to the UAE’s Abraaj Capital.

“Chinese interest is tremendous in Pakistan and the new deal would be quite attractive to strengthen cooperation under CPEC,” said Taha Javed, director of research at Alfalah Securities, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

“It is the largest ever privatesector acquisition in Pakistan,” said analyst Zeeshan Afzal, executive directer at Insight Securities.

Pakistan suffers from major power shortages that sap economic growth. Analysts hope the Chinese acquisition can improve the utility’s efficiency and reduce blackouts.

India eyes 5 million American tourists in 3 years

T

o realise immense job potential offered by tourism and high unit value brought by American tourists, Indiashould target attracting 5 million tourists from the US in the next three years, a top official said today.

File photo

Speaking at an event here, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said if Indiawants to create jobs, tourism needs to be pushed as its multiplier impact is “absolutely humongous”.

Kant said America is the most important destination for promoting travel and tourism and marketing Brand India.

“Indiamust go all out to nurture this market,” he said, and added that the American tourists bring a huge amount of “high unit value realisation and Indiashould look at value rather than just numbers”.

“We get about 1.2 million American tourists.

They comprise 16 per cent of our total arrivals. My view is we should target getting about 5 million American tourists in the next three years. This is very doable,” he said.

Speaking

at

the

event

organised by the CII, US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said “the idea that our governments right now are focussed on increasing travel and tourism is a huge opportunity for both of our countries”.

It is a huge job creator, economic driver and a great way for our two nations to get to know each other, she remarked.

WOMEN HEALTH SERVICES WELL WOMEN EXAM

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

PAP SMEAR

MAMMOGRAM

LAB PACKAGE

PREGNANCY TESTING

(CHOLESTROL, DIABETES, THYROIDS, ETC)

STD SCREENING

IMMUNIZATION BREAST CANCER SCREENING

Dear Devotees, Hari Om..

After the sudden demise of Bramhasri Udayakumar Gullapalli, I, Pandit Sridharkumar Ramayanam, as his torch bearer take the responsibility of serving the Houston community for any kind of Vedic/Hindu poojas at your door step or in the temple. Kindly contact me for all kind of poojas naming few as follows, Gruhapravesham, Sathyanarayana vratham, Namakaram, Upanayanam, marriage, all kinds of homas, new business or shop openings, Shradha karmas, etc.... Feel free to contact me on:

• 713-933-8821/9359 • 832-833-5662 • 720-421-6031 Kindly support the temple and family by giving me the opportunity to serve you all. Hari Om!

t hours are Monday thru Friday 8am till 5pm.

FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES/ BIRTH CONTROL

Visit any of our Locations: S. Post Oak 281-438-7462

Clear Lake 281-990-7462

Port Arthur 409-724-7462

Wilcrest 281-977-7462

N. Shepherd 713-695-7462 www.ibnsinafoundation.org facebook.com/ibnsinacommunitymedicaldentalcenter

SPORTS

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Houston Super Bowl Host Tilman Fertitta Committee announces donates $20M to second Touchdown Tour date UH sports Tour to bring Super Bowl excitement to Sugar Land

H

OUSTON (Aug. 30, 2016) – For a second consecutive week, the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee is bringing its Touchdown Tour, a one-of-akind Super Bowl fan experience, to the Houston area with a stop at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

The Touchdown Tour stop, which will be held from 5 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, will feature great exhibits and football-themed games for fans to enjoy. There will be interactive games, a Houston Texans mobile locker room,

special photo booths, giveaways, music and more. A beer garden and food will be available for purchase.

The event is free and open to the public. Patrons wishing to attend the Sugar Land Skeeters game will need to purchase a game ticket for entry into the stadium.

The Host Committee’s Touchdown Tour brings the excitement of the Super Bowl directly to Houston region communities and energizes the area for the Big Game, which will be played at NRG Stadium on Feb. 5, 2017.

The first Touchdown Tour stop was held last weekend at Space Center Houston and drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to see retired astronaut Scott Kelly return the football that spent five months with him aboard the International Space Station to the Host Committee. The football was used in the official handover ceremony from the San Francisco Bay Area Host Committee to the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee following Super Bowl 50 in February.

For more information, visit the Houston Super Bowl Host

Cricket: Hales weighs up Bangladesh options

by Julian Guyer

N

OTTINGHAM, UK (Aug 31, 2016 - AFP) Alex Hales has accepted he could be risking his England place if he pulls out of the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh.

The future of the tour was called into question after an attack on a Dhaka cafe last month saw 20 -- mostly foreign -- hostages killed, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said last week that the tour, which includes three one-day international and two Test match fixtures in October and November, would go ahead as planned.

The confirmation followed a visit to Bangladesh by an ECB delegation, led by their

long-serving security chief Reg Dickason.

However, no England player has yet publicly confirmed their willingness to tour Bangladesh.

Meanwhile several British media reports have suggested that England limited overs captain Eoin Morgan is among those with ongoing security concerns.

Nottinghamshire opener Hales returned to form with an England ODI record 171 as England went an unbeatable 3-0 up in their five-match series against Pakistan at his Trent Bridge home ground on Tuesday.

But while his place in the one-day side appears secure, Hales’s grip on a Test spot is far less certain after a run of low scores.

“If you choose not to go to

Bangladesh you’re risking your spot, particularly me,” said Hales after a century that was the centrepiece of a new ODI world record total of 444 for three.

“I’m still uncertain as to what to do. It’s going to be some tough decision to make in the next week or so.”

Meanwhile Chris Woakes has joined the likes of Hales, Jos Buttler and Liam Plunkett in refusing to commit himself, at this stage, to the Bangladesh tour despite the assurances of Australian security expert Dickason.

“It’s a tricky one,” he said.

We are having all the discussions with Reg, the security people, Straussy (ECB director and former England captain Andrew Strauss).

“I’m sure by the end of the series everyone will have to have

New cricket surge in NW As more people have moved to Oregon from cricket-loving regions of the world, the Oregon Cricket League has grown to support nearly a dozen clubs, two tournaments and four grounds.

Sumeet Batish bowls to Harjinder Sardar in a cricket match between the Portland Spartans and Multnomah Cricket Club, two of close to a dozen teams that make up the Oregon Cricket League.

(Bradley W. Parks/OPB)

S

onu Lakhanpal used a fallen tree limb to pull back the thorny blackberry bushes that gobbled up a cricket ball smacked past the boundary.

He leaned into the branch while another player reached into brambles to search.

Losing a ball in the bushes is one of a few minor annoyances for cricketers playing in a farmer’s field in Banks, Oregon. But the grounds are big enough for cricket, and that’s enough for the players in the Oregon Cricket League.

“When we started, it was actually quite tough to find grounds,” said Paresh Daharwal, a batter for Multnomah Cricket Club.

On a steamy but breezy Saturday in August, Multnomah faced the Portland Spartans on the Spartans’ home grounds: Wingham Farms in Banks.

Dressed in their cricket whites for test matches, the teams played before the usual crowd of uninterested cattle and rubbernecking cyclists, runners and walkers on the Banks-Vernonia Trail.

Oregon’s cricket infrastructure is far from robust. But as more people have immigrated to the Beaver State from cricket-loving regions, the Oregon Cricket League has grown. Now, the OCL has four grounds, two tournaments and close to a dozen active clubs.

Lokesh Popli plays for the Portland Spartans. He’s a physician who lives in St. Helens.

He rolled down the windows of his van and backed into a shady spot before the match against Multnomah. His 5-year-old son was asleep in the backseat.

field. Instead of a pitcher, cricket has a bowler who hurls a ball toward one of two batsmen.

Batsmen score runs by running between wickets, which look like small fences. Each team gets a chance to bat. Defending teams must get 10 batsmen out to leave the field; that or deliver 300 balls or 50 overs (an over is a set of six pitches).

Cricket is one of the world’s most popular sports: ESPN claimed it has more than five times as many fans as baseball in a promo for the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Few things will keep Popli from playing cricket. He works nights, sometimes even on weekends, but still shows up to play every Saturday and Sunday.

The passion is especially feverish in India, from which many OCL players come. The Economist reported an estimated 80 percent of cricket’s global revenue is generated in India.

“Sometimes I don’t even get a chance to bat or bowl,” said Popli, a fresh coat of sunscreen on his face. “I’m in my 30s right now, so there are a lot of younger players. It’s just the love for the game that brings us to the game.”

“When we were growing up, we developed a passion for cricket and we love cricket,” Popli said.

Cricket is baseball’s cousin.

It’s played on an oval, typically much bigger than a baseball

“Almost everybody here would probably not know anybody else,” said Harjinder Sardar, who plays for Multnomah Cricket Club. “[Cricket] tends to create this bigger community.”

Committee’s website and follow the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee: The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee is the centralized planning entity for Super Bowl LI, and acts as the liaison between the NFL, City of Houston, Harris County and the local community. The Host Committee is a private, non-profit 501(c)(6) Texas Corporation, and is responsible Super Bowl LI festivities and logistics.

H

OUSTON (Aug. 31, 2016 - AP) Businessman Tilman Fertitta has given $20 million to the University of Houston in what school officials say is the largest donation for Cougar sports.

The school on Thursday announced the personal donation by Fertitta, who chairs the

Mississippi and Louisiana. He attended the UH Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

A UH statement says the funds will help transform the Hofheinz Pavilion into a stateof-the-art basketball arena renamed the Fertitta Center. The $60 million renovation will

made their minds up -- and I’m in exactly the same boat.”

Warwickshire all-rounder Woakes, who has been transformed this season from bitpart player to an England regular, added: “You have to respect the security level that Reg has reported back on.

“It’s a tricky subject. People are going there to play cricket, and they want to make sure they feel 100 percent.

“I suppose a lot of people won’t know they are 100 percent safe until they get there.

“But that’s up to the individual. I’m sure by the end of the series, in a week’s time, everyone will know and have to make a decision.”

Following their extraordinary batting display at Trent Bridge, England won by 169 runs and paceman Woakes admitted to mixed feelings as he watched Hales, ably supported by Joe Root, Buttler and Morgan play a “special” innings in Nottingham.

“It gets to the stage in the dressing room where all the

Tilman Fertitta (File photo)

University of Houston System Board of Regents.

Fertitta is chairman and president of Landry’s Inc., a restaurant and casino chain operating in Texas, Nevada, New Jersey,

batsmen are cheering it and the bowlers are like ‘oh god’ because you know the opposition batsmen will have to come out hard at you,” he said.

“But at the same time it’s an

also preserve the legacy of the Hofheinz family, honoring former Harris County Judge Roy Hofheinz.

The updated arena should be ready for the 2018-2019 season.

opportunity to take wickets and that’s exactly how it worked,” said Woakes, who finished with figures of four for 41.

The series continues in Leeds on Thursday.

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Your Horoscope for the Week of September 2, 2016 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

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

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April You will be hypersensitive and need more attention & pampering of your emotions but will feel shy asking for it. Others’ heartlessness will affect you more than usual, and you are rather unrealistic in your hopes and expectations of them. Your partner will have different ideas, whether you agree or not but it’s not time for arguments, give time everything will be ok. Short trip or work related travel will be possible.

Your timing will be perfect, your style impeccable, but your anger will be counterproductive to your objectives. Others may need to vent their emotions, but it won’t help your situation at all. You need to use your intellect and philosophy to find your answers.

You may be asking a question that has no answer. To you, you are stating the obvious, but for others you will be opening previously locked doors. Dialogue is the first step to understanding more about others. You’ll receive an unexpected gift.

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

This is a time to attend to details, take care of practical business, and to make your life more stable and secure. It would be beneficial to consult advisors on investments and long-range plans and to put your affairs in order. Eliminating waste and inefficiency is important to you now. There is much activity; you move rapidly from one thing to another and a hectic, somewhat stressful pace is likely. Many errands, phone calls, letters which require a response, and other “busywork” is on the agenda.

Think twice before you give any kind of commitment, as it could get you in trouble.

Use your head for thinking instead of feeling sorry for yourself. Love speaks to you and through you, you just have to listen. Mixed emotions are the starting point for a moving experience. Try to be more productive, stay focused and ignore the words of those who are jealous of you. Even though there are many things that you can’t control, you need to show your courage.

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Focus yourself on saving money, You may have to speak your mind in a way that challenges some of your past decisions. However, your mind is very active and sharp, and your reasoning power is good, so this is a good time to do mental work. It is easy for you to talk about your feelings now and also to listen sensitively to not only what others are saying but also what they are feeling. This is an excellent time to discuss your feelings and clear the air of any grievances you may be holding on to from the past.

Simple pleasures will be needed in order to help you to relax. Strong words will only bring strong re-actions. Realize that tempers may be short in those sensitive areas. You need a break from away from extreme solutions to dealing with simple problems. Stay confident in who you are and you’ll be ensured a smoother ride. Being in between jobs or relationships can make you feel very isolated. A compromise on your part will restart stalled talks.

By combining your resources, you’ll be able to find the perfect kind of operation.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July It seems that whatever you try to do goes nowhere or gets lost in a haze of misunderstanding. This is not a good time, which can give you personal recognition for your efforts. Taking time off, working quietly, or doing something primarily for the benefit of others without concern for personal gain is favored at this time. At this time, you’re likely to feel that you cannot make your desires or influence felt, and that things go awry when you try to assert yourself, make an impact, or get things done in a forthright way.

It’s time to Choose the honorable road. You may need to go out slowly, but you’ll have strong support from those in authority. You may need to fulfill a family obligation that you almost forgot about. You’ll realize that your personal relationships need more attention than you’re giving them. Some commitments which you’ve recently pushed away will try to return into your life. Everybody will want to be your friend, but your words may hurt your cause. You’ll have to work on being more understanding without losing your winning edge.

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

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Focus your energy, exhibit your generous nature & understand other’s feelings. Your rewards will far outweigh the effort. You’ll be able to achieve success, if you trust your gut feelings & remain loyal to your friends & family. Be sure to spend some quality time with those who really matter to you. Your alliances need strengthening, spread your positive influence. If you join forces with others, you’ll be able to produce great results. Try to reflect on positive influences rather than the negative ones.

You’ll have many options to pick from. A show of strength will improve your standing in the community. People with attitude problems shouldn’t even come into the equation, stay clear of them. Your dilemma is that everybody wants a piece of you.

There’s usually a reason for everything that you do, but your creativity may be driven more out of necessity than talent. If you want to try to turn this situation around, you’d better start now. Use the raw materials you have on hand to demonstrate your idea of art and beauty.

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

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Your independent spirit should help you find the perfect place for you to enjoy what you do. A little risk-taking could be good for you. Open the doors & be yourself. Take pride in how you handle your time with organization & confidence. Secrets will be revealed & your views and ideas should be brought out into the open. You have the ability to listen, as well as help others to see things clearer. We all need feedback sometimes. Once you let your feelings out, you should be able to enjoy a good time of love and play.

QR

Use your time wisely and spend it with parents & elderly people who need your support & time. It’ll really help you to feel the magic again. Your impeccable charm will help you to handle your responsibilities with strong authority and creative style.

Important details may be overlooked by those who do not care. At your work place, You need to oversee everything of any importance. Prepare yourself so that you don’t get too tired or run down. Since you have not got time for much pending works that you wanted to complete, find ways to whatever it is that you have to do.

QUICK REFERENCE SERVICES DIRECTORY Real Estate

Accountants

NARESH SETLUR, CPA Certified, Quickbooks Proadvisor

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

Visit our website www.karanika.net

Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Franchise Accounting

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

BUY - SELL - INVEST

Your REALTOR ® with over 26 years in Real Estate

Ron Aga 832-423-6973 Champions Real Estate Group • 6117 Richmond Ave, Ste # 120 Houston, TX 77057

Restaurants

BOOK-KEEPING INCOME TAX Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations

India’s Restaurant & Catering

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

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

S. Ram and Associates

M.D. Associates LLP

Restaurants

Ph: 713-266-0131/ 0805

A full service CPA firm

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

We deliver to your venue.

3 Locations to serve you Houston 713-774-6533 Spring 281-251-2205 Dallas 214-722-7545

visit us at : www.mdassociatescpas.com

You need this Space For more information

Call us today

Madhuram Mirch Masala 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

713-774-5140

• 2130 Lone Star Dr. Sugar Land, Ph: 281-494-2981

Moving Service

Transportation Commute for Kids

A-1 DAN’S DISCOUNT MOVERS INC. Apt., Home, Office 23 Years in Business

281-242-1928 & 832-605-3031

25 Years of Experience • 832-812-0009 Family Owned and Operated Helping busy parents pick up and drop off kids daily

Visit : www.commuteforkids.com for details.

VOICE OF ASIA SERVICES

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

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

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

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

E-blast

Send out Specials, Sales and Promote your Events.

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

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

Classifieds

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

Video Interviews

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

Call us at: 713-774-5140

Amazing Opportunity!

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

VOICE OF ASIA NEWS GROUP

www.voiceofasiaonline.com • www.healthlinemag.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

VOICE OF ASIA 23

Houston Community College Request for Qualifications/ Proposals (RFQ/RFP) Two-Step Process Food Services at Alief-Hayes Project No. RFP 17-01 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, September 8, 2016.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/procurement.

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) LED Lighting Retrofit / HCC Administration Building Project No. 17-02 Loanstar No.1 Program Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No.11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00 pm (local time) on Wednesday, September14, 2016.

A Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) for IFB 17-02 will be held at HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main, (2nd Floor) Houston, Texas 77002, on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. (local time).

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) LED Lighting Retrofit / Multi-Campuses Project No. 17-03 (LOANSTAR No. 1 PROGRAM) Project No. IFB 17-03 Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

A Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) for IFB 17-03 will be held at HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main, (2nd Floor) Houston, Texas 77002, on Friday, August 26, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. (local time).

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/ district/departments/procurement.

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY Don’t Share Office Gossip with Your New Coworker It might be tempting to bend your new coworker’s ear and let him in on all of the office dirt. You may even think you’re helping him out by giving him the inside scoop. But sharing the ins and outs of office politics with the newcomer isn’t always advisable.

Doing so could reflect badly on you and bias him against his new coworkers. Of course you can help your new colleague get acclimated to the office, but check your motives first. Are you trying to make life easier for him, or get him on your side?

Even if your intentions are positive, carefully choose the information you share.

After all, you don’t know what your new colleague might tell others, exposing you and possibly damaging your reputation. Follow this simple rule: Only share what you would be comfortable sharing with everyone. Act as if everybody’s listening.

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) AHU-VFD (HVAC) and Control System Replacement – HCC Administration Building Project No. 17-06 Loanstar No.1 Program Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No.11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00 pm (local time) on Thursday, September 15, 2016.

A Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) for IFB 17-06 will be held at HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main, (2nd Floor) Houston, Texas 77002, on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. (local time).

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) HVAC System Replacement and Renovation West Loop Campus Project No. IFB 17-07 (LOANSTAR No. 1 PROGRAM)

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) Chiller Replacement Project 2016 Stafford Fine Arts Building Project No. IFB 17-08 (LOANSTAR No. 1 PROGRAM)

Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No.11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00 pm (local time) on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.

A Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) for IFB 17-07 will be held at HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main, (2nd Floor) Houston, Texas 77002, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at 9:00 p.m. (local time).

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/departments/procurement.

Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11A06, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00 pm (local time) on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

A Pre-Bid Conference (NonMandatory) for IFB 17-08 will be held at HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main, (2nd Floor) Houston, Texas 77002, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. (local time).

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/district/departments/procurement.

PART-TIME MULTIMEDIA CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR Are you a news junkie who scans the morning headlines before getting out bed each morning? Are you tied to your twitter feed throughout the day? Can’t go to bed before watching the 10pm news?

KTRK-TV, the ABC owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a part-time content contributor for both broadcast and digital. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to advance their career as a multi-media journalist.

In this position, you will write and edit scripts, work on the assignment desk, and contribute to digital platforms, among other duties.

Must be willing to work overnights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate has experience gathering information and writing news stories - along with a good understanding of social media trends and apps. College degree preferred.

To be considered all Interested candidates must apply online at disneycareers.com, ref job # 393661BR. Please upload a cover letter, resume and list of references. In addition, please mail writing samples to: Robin Freese, Executive Producer, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Reference job #393661BR. Equal Opportunity Employer - Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity No Telephone Calls Please

www.voiceofasiaonline.com

Source: Adapted from “How to Talk About Office Politics with a New Colleague,” by Karen Dillon WWW.HBR.ORG

VOICE OF ASIA Subscription Renewal Form Fax this form to: 713-774-5143 Scan and E-mail us: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City: ______________ State:___________ Zip:___________ Ph: ______________ E-mail:_________________________ Credit Card No: ____________________________________ Name on the Card: _________________________________ CVV #: __________ Exp Date:___________ Amount: $______ Signature: __________________________ One Year $30 Two Years $55 Five Years $100 We will mail 52 issues to your home or office!

8303 SW Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77074

Best Value!!!

6213 Skyline Drive, Suite 2100 Houston, Texas 77057

sphilip@llppc-law.com

VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, September 2, 2016