Voice of Asia E-paper September 28, 2018

VOICE OF ASIA 1

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FRIDAY, September228, 2018 In Section l HEALTHLINE

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Vol. 32 No. 38 • FRIDAY, September 28, 2018 Published Weekly from Houston 24 Pages (2 sections) 50 cents 713-774-5140 • E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Indian court upholds Fueled by Beto fever, Democrats legality of world's largest battle to turn Texas blue biometric database

by Michael Mathes

D

ALLAS, TX | AFP - The Texan jolting US politics is widely known by just his first name -- Beto, a telegenic Democrat appealing for an equality-for-all revolution that he hopes leads his party to victory in November's midterm elections.

But the lanky congressman, whose past life as a punk rocker endears him to young voters, faces a monumental challenge in unseating conservative Senator Ted Cruz and convincing Americans that President Donald Trump's Republican Party no longer deserves to control Congress.

The government claims the Aadhaar scheme, which issues every Indian with a unique ID linked to fingerprints and iris scans, will streamline welfare services and root out fraud (AFP Photo/NARINDER NANU).

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EW DELHI, India | AFP | Wednesday 9/26/2018 - India's top court Wednesday upheld the legality of the government's Aadhaar national ID scheme, the world's largest biometric database, but imposed new restrictions on how the personal details of more than one billion citizens can be used.

The ruling by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court draws a line under many years of legal challenges from critics, who said Aadhaar threatened individual privacy and risked turning the world's second-most populous

nation into a surveillance state.

The government had insisted Aadhaar, which issues every Indian with a unique 12-digit ID linked to fingerprints and iris scans, would streamline welfare services and root out fraud.

It was also pitched as a transparent way to ensure that government handouts of food, fuel and other essentials to India's poorest would not be siphoned off by corrupt middlemen, a huge problem in the vast country of 1.25 billion.

Continued on Page 10

Beto O'Rourke, 45, arrives like a thunderclap at his campaign events, where supporters wave "Beto Believe It" signs and clamor for selfies with a passionate candidate who gets rockstar treatment.

It almost seems out of place in robustly red Texas, which no Democrat has represented in the US Senate in a

Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic candidate seeking the US Senate seat currently held by Ted Cruz, addressing a crowd of supporters at a historic black church in south Dallas (AFP Photo/Laura Buckman). quarter century.

tionally since the Trump presidency began, campaign cash is pouring in Continued on Page 10

But with Democrats on the rise na-

China charges shuttered church $170,000 after eviction

by Elizabeth Law / Pak Yiu

B

EIJING, China | AFP | Wednesday 9/26/2018 - Beijing authorities who shut down a Christian church after its pas-

tor criticised new curbs on religion have now ordered it to pay 1.2 million yuan ($170,000) in back rent and removal costs.

China's biggest unofficial Protestant churches until it was suddenly shut down earlier this month amid greater pressure on religion in the country.

The Zion Church had been one of

Continued on Page 12

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

VOICE OF ASIA 2

CBS’s Leslie Moonves – A Symbol of Continued Menace of Sexual Misconduct

VOICE OF ASIA Publisher:

Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief:

Austin Correspondent: Marketing Director: Office Manager:

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

Contributors: Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Mala Sharma Research: Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:

Shobana Muratee

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

Voice of Asia assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on the information included herein. Published weekly by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713-7745143. Email for editorial submissions: voiceasia@aol. com; Email for advertising inquiries and submissions: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com 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 28, 2018

Chandra K. Mittal, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., FCP

harassing several of his subordinate female scientist and colleagues for four decades.

by Chandra K. Mittal, Ph.D.

Sadly, just as the dust of highly publicized cases of sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation by the likes of Harvey Weinstein, Charlie Rose, Roger Ails, Bill O’Reilly, Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacy, Mark Halperin, etc. seem to have settled down (or so it felt), new cases of same syndrome have emerged on the horizon in this year. These have included Detroit Congressman John Conyers, Texas Congressman Blake Farenthold, Olympic physician Dr. Larry Nassar, Hollywood Director Paul Haggis, and comedians Aziz Ansari and Louise C.K., to mention a few.

With recent decision to resign from CBS where he was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, multi-millionaire Leslie Moonves joined the ranks of other celebrities in the entertainment industry who have fallen from grace due to their participation in sexual abuse and harassment of women. Moonves has been accused by twelve women or so for inappropriate touching, kissing and forceful sexual acts for over 30 years, and thereby violating their dignity and honor.

He decided to quit CBS and donate some 20 Million Dollars to #MeToo organizations to make amends for his misdeeds.

Moonves’s resignation at CBS and recent conviction and imprisonment of celebrity Bill Cosby, the America’s Dad, again brings the matter of sexual misconduct to the fore and come on the heels of another high-profile case of the Ex-Director of Center for Disease Control (CDC) Dr. Tom Frieden, who was arrested on August 24, 2018 for sexual misconduct of a friend, and potentially faces a fine and jail time. These two cases are also preceded by the case of an eminent Indian-American cancer biologist Dr. Inder Verma, who resigned from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies at San Diego in June this year.

Dr. Verma, 70, a senior faculty member was accused of sexual

- The Publisher

by Aranzamendez, LMSW Asian American Pacific Islander Field Organizer

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he conditions in the dorms were barely par minimal living standards. The food was sub-par, and we only had one hour to go outside for physical activities. I made a friend who had a hearing disability and could barely talk. He tried to tell me that he had his legal paperwork

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To top it all came the revelations of continuing allegations of sexual abuse by the spiritual leaders in the Catholic Church.

Recent reports suggest approximately one-thousand victims of sexual abuse by more than three hundred priests in Pennsylvania State. These victims include young boys, girls and men who were either raped, molested or sexually abused for years by the members of the clergy creating major scandal in the Catholic Church. Similar incidences have been reported in other states also.

Regardless of the locations, situations and the individuals involved, all cases of sexual misconduct share one common feature. These always involve the “predator” who is powerful either by way of authority, or money, physical force, or social influence, and the victim gener-

ally young, needy, financially weak, and vulnerable. In many instances such predatory bosses are also known to foster exploitative culture in their organizations which is conducive to sexual harassment of females with knowledge of others employees who are scared to report. As a result, the allpowerful predators continue to sexually harass women for long periods of time without any fear of punishment.

Such organizations are also typically slow to react and respond to the complaints of the victims under one pretext or other. Some of the excuses made for the delays are proper personnel procedures by HR, while others are public relations concerns and image of the company. This was observed at Fox Network with Bill O’Reilly, at Salk Institute with Inder Verma, and at CBS with Moonves, where sexual harassment continued for several decades before punitive actions were taken by respective organizations.

Fact of the matter is that sexual abusers are bullies who suffer from mental illness.

And when they are placed in a corporate culture that is conducive to abuse and harassment, they succeed in exercising their power to exploit the weak and the vulnerable. It is only the society that can guard against this scourge.

Unfortunately, these predators get more sympathies from the corporations than their victims do. With time, many of them get revived and flourish

whereas their victims languish in the darkness of their fate.

For example, there is a talk these days about the resurrection of careers of Louis C.K and Aziz Ansari in the comedy world. Similarly, there are rumors of NBC’s Matt Lauer making the comeback.

Perhaps the best approach to fight the menace of sexual misconduct effectively and efficiently is for American corporations to have policy of zero tolerance and swift action against the accused once the harassment has been proven.

Companies should not have to wait for multiple victims to come forward before actions are initiated against the accused. Also, the accused should not be allowed to continue to directly or indirectly supervise the victim or make her employment-related decisions to remove the conflict of interest between the accused and the victim.

Finally, it is the society that has to make the value judgment about the evil of sexual misconduct and legitimate ways to eradicate it. But for now, most of the predators like Les Moonves get off cheap with second chance of resurrection, whereas victims are left with life-time scars.

Dr. Chandra Mittal is lifemember of Indo-American Press Club, Inc., and CoFounder of Indo-American Association, Inc. Houston. He can be contact at drckmittal@ yahoo.com

“On July 3rd, it was me.

Tomorrow it could be you” in his old dorm and no one in the management was willing to help him, so he was stuck there.

Later, there were two 18year olds who were also put in our dorm. They were so depressed and sad. I remember how one of them went into the corner of the dorm, kneeled and prayed while he cried. There was another detainee who had been detained for 18 months for a DUI. I was devastated - how could a person survive in a facility like this for such a long time? He showed signs of institutionalization.

Fortunately, I made friends there which really helped me to be mentally stable and remain calm.

After a few weeks, our dorm guard woke me up at 5 am in the morning to take me to the ICE headquarters to be interviewed. I was again put in a waiting cell for 11 hours. My interview was at 1 pm that following day. My sister worked really hard day and night for my release which then yielded to my release on parole.”

The above account of having to survive in an immigration detention center is an excerpt of a personal essay by Mohammed “Faraz” Sarfaraz. Faraz, a 23 year old Pakistani national, born and raised in the Kingdom of Bahrain, came to the United States following all the correct legal channels.

Like a million students like

him, Faraz arrived to the United States on a F-1 student visa, valid until July 2018. In June 2018, when it came time to renew his visa, Faraz and his family sought counsel from his university and an immigration attorney. Their advice? To leave the country for a few days to expedite the process. Faraz followed their advice and left with his sister on a trip to Mexico. Upon his return, Faraz was apprehended and detained for missing an endorsement signature on a form. At the time, Faraz was still legally documented.

As a documented young man on a student visa, Faraz was interrogated for several hours. He was threatened, not read his Miranda rights.

He was put in handcuffs that were connected to his waist and taken to a detention center in north Houston, where he was kept for several weeks. “I felt like I committed a huge crime or hurt someone”, stated Faraz. As of the writing of this piece, Faraz is still fighting a legal battle on parole.

Faraz has a story that needs to be shared not with just the AAPI community, but everyone. Immigration is an Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) issue, and AAPI are a growing part of Houston. According to the Pew Research Institute, Asian American Pacific Islanders are the fastest grow-

ing immigrant group in the United States; and according to a study by the Migration Studies Institute, the AAPI population in Houston has doubled in growth in the past twenty years alone. In the US immigration system, almost half of 40 percent of all family visas applicants are Asians trying to reunite with family members in the United States. Roughly 120,000 out of 800,000 DACA recipients are AAPI (AAPI Data, 2017). However, when it comes to conversations around the topic of immigration, AAPI are often left out of the discussion.

On October 3rd, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Faraz will be joined by a panel of immigration attorneys, academics, and activists at the Clear Lake Islamic Center. The panel, entitled “Immigration in the Trump Era: Stories, Myths, and Facts”, will focus on how immigration policy impacts the AAPI community and Houston in general. Of course, talking about it is just a step. As Faraz himself later wrote to assert: “The current political climate is not complementary to immigration. The only way we could make a change is to use our most powerful ability as a citizen and that is to vote. On July 3rd it was me, tomorrow it could be you. Please cast your vote in this time where America needs it the most.”

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

Section 1

Community Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Grief support series offered

by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

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FBISD’s 2019 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists include:

• • •

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UGAR LAND, (September 26, 2018) — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is offering a four-part series for Fort Bend residents who are coping with the loss of a loved one.

The series titled “What is Grief, Really? The Nuts and Bolts of Grieving” is designed to help participants learn about grief and understand more fully the impact that grief has on survivors. Facilitated by the Department of Spiritual Care, these sessions are open to people of all faiths and provide a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can find support and share experiences.

The sessions are scheduled on four consecutive Tuesdays in October, beginning Oct. 9, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Main Pavilion Con-

ference Rooms A and D. Dinner will be provided.

interact with each other or just sit and listen.

“Learning about grief – and hearing from others’ experiences – can be a valuable part of healing for many people,” said Tim Madison, director of spiritual care and values integration at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “Too often people try to get past the loss of a loved one without fully exploring their feelings or understanding how grief can affect them both emotionally and even physically. These sessions will give participants the opportunity to interact with others who have been through similar experiences and who share many of the same emotions.”

“Our goal is to provide an avenue for comfort and healing, recognizing that each person is different and has different needs,” said Madison.

“The Grief Support Group can be beneficial to anyone who has lost a loved one – whether it was a recent loss or even one many years ago.”

The hospital’s Grief Support Group meets each fall and spring, offering participants a safe space to tell their stories,

To reserve a place in the fall series, or to learn more about the Grief Support Group, contact the hospital’s Spiritual Care Department at 281.274.7164.

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/ methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

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Tel: 713-774-5140

53 Fort Bend ISD students named 2019 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists ORT BEND ISD – Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce that 53 of our high school seniors are named Semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among approximately 16,000 of the nation’s academically talented seniors, representing less than one percent, named in the program this year.

The Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Grief Support Group meets on Oct. 9, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (Stock photo)

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sruja Arya (Clements) Rafay Ashary (Clements) Ravali Bhavaraju (Dulles) Sky Chen (Elkins) Ryan Chu (Dulles) Jessica Dae (Clements) Parth Dargan (Clements) Apoorva Das (Elkins) Cameron W. Diao (Clements) Jonathan Fu (Dulles) Sriman Gaddam (Clements) Christopher He (Clements) Allen Huang (Dulles) Brian Huang (Dulles) Nhi Huynh (Travis) Bassel Ibrahim (Clements) Kevin Jin (Clements) Prathik Kalva (Dulles) Akash Karanam (Clements) Emily Kiang (Clements)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Eric Li (Clements) Hanzheng Li (Dulles) Emily Lin (Dulles) John Lin (Clements) Alan Luu (Dulles) Alexis Malveaux (Clements) Akash Mehta (Austin) Avirut Mehta (Clements) Milan Mitra (Clements) Shree Mohan (Dulles) Insha Momin (Austin) Divya Nagaraj (Clements) Coby Nguyen (Clements) Adarsha Pokkulandra (Dulles) Sameer Rajesh (Clements) Thomas Ralph (Clements) Janya Ram (Clements) Ammar Ratnani (Clements) Cassie Ren (Austin) Nikita Sharma (Clements) Anirudh Srivatsav (Elkins) Yi-Le Su (Clements) Lisong Sun (Dulles) Katherine Tao (Dulles) Derek Viet (Clements) Patrick Wei (Clements) Ruocheng Wei (Dulles)

• • • • • •

Annie Wu (Dulles) Elvin Yang (Clements) Lauren Yang (Dulles) Yufei Yangyi (Dulles) Claire Zhou (Clements) Miriam Zuo (Clements)

These scholars began their journey to becoming Semifinalists last year when they entered the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of program entrants. They were among more than 1.6 million juniors in nearly 22,000 high schools to enter the program last year.

The Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered in the spring. Scholarships include National Merit $2,500 scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards. Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.

About 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists, and about half will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will notify those students advancing to Finalist level in February 2019.

Learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program at www.nationalmerit. org.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 4

Deadline is Sep. 28

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Sankara Eye Foundation Dandia Set for Oct. 6 at NRG Center

CITGO Innovation Scholars Program APPLY TO THE CITGO INNOVATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM!

C

ITGO Petroleum Corporation has established a scholarship program to assist students who plan to continue their education in college.

The application opens on August 15, 2018 and will close at noon on Friday, September 28.

Calcasieu Parish School Board (Louisiana) Corpus Christi ISD (Texas) Houston ISD (Texas) Lemont High School District 210 (Illinois) Lockport Township High School District 205 (Illinois) Romeoville High School (Illinois)

Up to twenty (20) $2,000 scholarship awards for undergraduate study will be granted. Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance in a full-time course of study, in an eligible field of study, enrollment at an eligible school and continuation of the program by CITGO Petroleum Corporation.

For complete guidelines and application, please visit https://www. scholarsapply.org/citgo/ This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin.

2) Be current postsecondary undergraduates, enrolled in full-time study at one of the following 2-year or 4-year colleges or universities for the entire 2018-19 academic year.

Baylor University (Waco, TX) Del Mar College (Corpus Christi, TX) Houston Community College (Greater Katy, Houston, Missouri City, Stafford campuses in Texas) Joliet Junior College (Joliet, IL) Lamar University (Beaumont, TX) Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA) Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, LA)

Applicants to the CITGO Innovation Scholars Program must meet all of the following four criteria: 1) Be a graduate from a high school in one of the following districts:

F

or the first time in Houston, Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF) is bringing a super successful and exceptional live band performance by Preetysha & Sameer – an internationally acclaimed duo who have performed for over 10 years for SEF Dandia in California. Come experience the magnificence and grandeur of the vibrant and family fun SEF Dandia at NRG Center Hall E on October 6 at 8 pm.

Over the years, SEF Dandias have brought together people to celebrate the wonderful festive season of Navratri, while helping bring light in the lives of thousands needlessly blind each year. This upcoming dandia event is a fundraiser for Sankara’s brand new projects in Mumbai, Jaipur, Indore, and Hyderabad.

With the festive theme of “ Dandia for a cause., Dandia with style,” the SEF Dandia is being planned in Houston with generous support of its patrons. Come celebrate Navratri with us and help us eradicate curable blindness in India. SEF Dandia events are impeccably organized and are the most happening Dandia events in town. This year 12 SEF Dandia events are being planned across the US. These events are eagerly looked forward to each year by all age groups to support a noble cause. Truly Dandia for a Cause, Dandia with Style!

SEF is looking to raise $3 Million USD within a year for its Mumbai project, of which the goal is to raise $1 Million USD by the end of this year. One can support this project by donating, helping spread the word, or by volunteering. As a non-profit,

Sankara Eye Foundation volunteers have been working tirelessly for two decades to eradicate curable blindness in India. Working on a model of 80:20 free to paid patients ratio, the funds raised through these events are used to further the cause. Over 1.6 million free eye surgeries have already been performed, making SEF the largest free eye care provider in the world.

The Charity Navigator has consistently given the organization fourstar rating for financial accountability and transparency. There are eight super specialty hospitals and four new hospitals are coming up in Mumbai, Jaipur, Indore, and Hyderabad. Pease Visit https://www.giftofvision.org/ or https://www.giftofvision.org/events/ sef-dandia-houston-2018 for details.

Or contact Rajender Aparasu: sefhouston@giftofvision.org

McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX) Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) SOWELA (Lake Charles, LA)

Eligibility Information:

Alief ISD (Texas)

Spring Branch ISD (Texas)

SEF Dandia will be at NRG Center Hall E

Texas A&M University (College Station, Corpus Christi, Kingsville campuses in Texas) Texas Southern University (Houston, TX) University of Houston (Houston, TX)

University of Illinois (Chicago, Springfield, Urbana–Champaign campuses in Illinois) University of Louisiana - Lafayette (Lafayette, LA) University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI) 3) Be majoring in one of the following areas of study:

University of Houston Downtown (Houston, TX)

Engineering Computer Science Instrumentation Management Information Systems (MIS) Process Technology Supply Chain Management 4) Considering a career in the energy industry.

onstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, an essay, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Financial need is not considered. First-generation college students will be prioritized in the selection of recipients. Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of CITGO Petroleum Corporation play a part in the selection.

Selection of Recipients

Accounting and Finance Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, dem-

All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

CENTERED LIVING

(Former C.S.I. Tamil Church)

“ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before Him, with joyful song.” - Psalm 100:1,2

Grand 8th Year Anniversary Celebration Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, It’s our great privilege to cordially invite you to the 8th year anniversary celebration of United Tamil Church of Houston.

The service will begin on Sunday 28, October 2018.

5:00 pm at 607 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477 (Behind All Saints Episcopal Church)

Guest Speakers: Most Rev. Dr. Bishop. A. Dale Cllime Pastor Cruz Divakaaran (Bangalore, India)

50% OFF Your Rent for 2018

Please come with your friends and families to praise and worship our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and experience His presence and feel God’s love, mercy, compassion, deliverance, healing, restoring and transforming power of Jesus Christ our Lord. UTC’s anniversary day includes worship service, the great thanksgiving, the holy communion, special family songs, skits, food, and fun.

For more information please contact: 281-437-1877 or 713-449-6703 Praise and worship service every Sunday at 5 pm.

NOTE: Worship service will be in both Tamil and English. /United-Tamil-Church-Houston

www.utcofhouston.com

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VOICE OF ASIA 5

Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place

Section 1

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Eight Fort Bend ISD Annual Scholarship Banquet brings scholars, Music Programs named benefactors together in celebration 2018 Mark of ExcelUGAR LAND, TX.-More than 160 stulence Project Winners dents and their bene-

S

F

ORT BEND ISD (September 26, 2018) – Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce that eight of the District’s school band and orchestra programs are winners in the 2018 Mark of Excellence project. The District has two national winners and six commended winners this year.

tion in regional and/or national publications and at national and regional conventions.

Sponsored by The Foundation for Music Education, the Mark of Excellence project is a not-for-profit organization that promotes music education through scholarships and other worthwhile projects. The project recognizes and awards outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands, choirs and orchestras. The project gathers entries from throughout the U.S. and provides valuable feedback for all entrants.

The project creates a unique competitive environment, allowing ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country. The top 25 percent of entrants become National Winners and the second 25 percent become Commended Winners.

First Colony Middle School Band, directed by Carter Matschek – Commended Winner

The Mark of Excellence project consists of the National Wind Band Honors, the National Orchestra Honors, National Choral Honors, National Jazz Honors and the National Percussion Ensemble Honors. This year, 279 of the finest musical ensembles from 38 states entered the competition. Winners receive recogni-

FBISD winners in the 2018 Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Project include: Dulles High School Honor Band, directed by Joe Pruitt – National Winner

Fort Settlement Middle School Band, directed by Greg Countryman and Theresa Baragas – Commended Winner FBISD winners in the 2018 National Orchestra Honors Project are: Dulles High School Honors String Orchestra, directed by Michael Isadore and Angela Yip – National Winner Dulles High School Honors Symphony Orchestra, directed

by Michael Isadore and Joe Pruitt – Commended Winner Garcia Middle School Symphony Orchestra, directed by Francis Weberpal, Nicole Elias and Giovanni Fuentes – Commended Winner Fort Settlement Middle School Chamber Orchestra, directed by Angela Peugnet and Roger Vasquez – Commended Winner Sartartia Middle School Symphony Orchestra, directed

by Sophia Hsieh – Commended Winner

factors joined the University of Houston at Sugar Land for the 17th Annual Scholarship Banquet. The event, held at the Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, celebrated the academic accomplishments of 145 students who are studying nursing, technology, social work, education and other areas.

This year, students received scholarships from 17 donors and foundations.

The event was underwritten by the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation. Stephen Morgan, reporter for Fox 26TV, served as emcee.

“We are so proud of our students and we are thankful to our sponsors and donors,” said Jay Neal, associate vice president, academic affairs and chief operating officer of UH Sugar Land. “Your support in higher education provides the fuel that drives us forward.”

Speakers Drs. Kulvinder and Nomita Bajwa

Sugar Land residents Drs. Kulvinder and Nomita Bajwa spoke about the need to support students in the local area.

“Nurses are the first to take a step forward to help,” Kulvinder Bajwa said. He and his wife have created an endowed scholarship for the UH College of Nursing. Their passion for nursing encouraged one of their colleagues to do the same.

Dr. Kulvinder Bajwa is a bariatric surgeon with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. He is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve serving as the 5th BriContinued on Page 5

Emcee Stephen Morgan, reporter for Fox 26-TV.

IMMIGRATION IN THE TRUMP ERA: MYTH, FACTS, AND STORIES

topic of immigration

To RSVP, sign up at bit.ly/HCDPAAPI or https://events.mobilizeamerica.io/hcdp/event/25124/

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Help for lower back pain at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land

Paying it Forward: Mayor Turner requests donations and volunteers to assist areas affected by Hurricane Florence Nonperishable food Bottled water Pet food and supplies The relief effort will accept donations from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 at the George R Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas Dr., Hall B-3 off Chartres St. (located 3rd level Ramp GRB)

H

supplies

Volunteer shifts will be available Saturday and Sunday during the following hours: 9 a.m.-noon Noon - 3 p.m.

3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

“The rest of the country was incredibly generous when Harvey floodwaters invaded parts of our City more than one year ago. People opened their hearts and their wallets to us” Mayor

The Mayor’s Office has made contact with relief groups in the region that are requesting: Cleaning

In addition to donations, the Hub requests volunteers to assist with coordination, sorting, and loading of donations.

If you are able to volunteer please email help@houstonreliefhub.org with the day and time you can help.

Mayor Turner will personally hand off the donated items in Columbia, South Carolina next week, where relief efforts for coastal communities in both states are being concentrated.

OUSTON - At the direction of Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Houston Relief Hub will coordinate Houston's Paying It Forward Hurricane Relief Response to Hurricane Florence.

(with

Financial contributions can be made directly to the OneSC Fund: https://www.yourfoundation.org/community-impact/ one-sc-fund-sc-flood-relief

Willy, Nanayakkara & Associates IMMIGRATION ATT ORNEYS

DIGNITY

Chronic pain may be caused by an underlying condition, such as arthritis, degenerative disk disease, spinal abnormalities, or even cancer and infection. “With chronic pain, we need to do further investigation to try and find the underlying cause,” Tran said. “That helps us develop a treatment plan that may resolve the issue or at least improve the patient’s quality of life.”

Larry Tran, M.D., neurologist

S

UGAR LAND - (September 25, 2018) – Is lower back pain making it difficult for you to bend, sit or stand? Is it preventing you from being active? The good news is the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land offers a variety of treatments to help relieve your pain and get you back in action.

WHAT CAUSES LOWER BACK PAIN? “Lifting a heavy object or even a simple movement — like twisting the wrong way — can result in lower back pain,” said Larry Tran, M.D., board-certified neurologist and medical director of the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land.

“But certain factors increase a person’s risk.” These might include: • Age. Older adults may be more susceptible to osteoarthritis and disk deterioration.

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INTEGRITY

FINDING THE SOURCE OF CHRONIC PAIN

Sylvester Turner said. “While our City’s recovery efforts continue, I know Houstonians want to help people who are suffering as a result of Hurricane Florence. That’s why I am encouraging Houstonians, who can, to pay it forward and assist with recovery efforts on the east coast.”

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Mayor Sylvester Turner,

back pain.

• Occupation.

Employees in jobs requiring repetitive bending, heavy lifting or long periods of standing or sitting are more likely to suffer back pain.

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• Overweight or obesity. Excess weight adds stress to the spine and back muscles.

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SOLUTIONS FOR PAIN Lower back pain is often acute, lasting no more than six to eight weeks. It can be due to a sports injury, such as a pulled muscle or strained tendon or ligament, from twisting or lifting something heavy or working on the yard.

“Generally, acute lower back pain will get better within a few weeks, perhaps benefiting from some over-the-counter antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®),” Tran said. “In some cases, we may

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Our doctors focus on the least invasive, but most effective treatments, first. However, in some cases surgery may be necessary.

“For example, we saw a young woman in her 30s who said she picked up her child and heard a pop from something in her back followed by pain,” Tran explained. “Normally that would be an instance of acute pain that would resolve itself. However, we recognized weakness in her legs that shouldn’t have been there. We were able to perform an MRI right away and discovered a disk had extruded itself into the spinal cord and she had surgery to correct the problem.”

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

To schedule an appointment with Larry Tran, M.D., or another specialist at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, call 281.205.4662 or visit houstonmethodist.org/neurosl. We offer expedited appointments within five days.

Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.neurologist

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Physical therapy is often very effective for both acute and chronic lower back pain.

“When you’re in pain, you may not want to move, but not moving is one of the worst things to do,” Tran said.

“Physical therapy can help people learn better posture and strengthen their core and supporting muscles, offering both short- and long-term benefits.”

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“There are four main pillars of treatment: medications, injections, physical therapy and surgery,” Tran said. “Medications don’t fix the underlying problem, but may offer some relief. Another potential treatment is oral steroids to ease pain and reduce inflammation and targeted steroid injections into the lower back.”

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In some cases, blood work may be ordered to make sure there is no inflammation or infection causing the problem.

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Another option is electromyography (EMG), a comprehensive test of muscles and nerves. An EMG can detect muscle and nerve problems that may reveal superimposed disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy.

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• Sedentary lifestyle.

Weak back muscles and lack of core strength make it easier to injure the back.

GARY SPENCER

A thorough physical exam is done to eliminate any red flags. “If we do see a red flag — which could be progressive pain, leg weakness, urinary problems, numbness, fever, rash or a history of cancer — we will likely order imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI,” Tran said. “If there is a discrepancy between scans, or if a patient cannot have an MRI because of previous surgery, we may consider a myelogram.” A myelogram uses X-rays and a contrast dye to evaluate the spine.

prescribe a muscle relaxer to help with spasms.”

OOF

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VOICE OF ASIA 6

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

Fort Bend ISD invites com- Sugar Land 101 class munity members to submit applications available names for Elementary 51

F

ORT BEND ISD (September 26, 2018) – Fort Bend ISD is seeking community suggestions for the naming of a new elementary campus, to be located in the Aliana community. The deadline to submit names is October 23, 2018.

Nominations must be completed using an online form, available on the FBISD website, www.fortbendisd.com. Those who wish to make a nomination must submit a written one or two paragraph statement (no longer than 250 words) containing bio-

graphical information or historical data, and reasons justifying the suggested name. Names nominated shall generally be names for people or places. If a person, the individual should have attained prominence locally or nationally, and have made a significant contribution to society. If a place, the name should include historical relevance.

Once the deadline for nominations has closed, a naming committee will be formed to consider the nominations prior to a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

Sugar Land 101 participants learn about city operations from top managers.

S

UGAR LAND, TX – The city of Sugar Land will accept applications through Oct. 19 for the next Sugar Land 101 class scheduled to begin in January 2019.

Sugar Land 101 participants learn about city operations from Sugar Land’s top managers. The class also includes two citywide tours, including a behind the scenes look at city facilities.

Those applying for Sugar Land 101 must be a resident of Sugar Land for at least one year, a registered voter, over 21 years of age, not currently holding or running for elected office and willing to attend the 10-week session.

To apply online or for more information about Sugar Land 101 and additional enrollment requirements, visit https://volunteer.sugarlandtx.gov/. Enrollment is limited.

JR mobile project brings art, politics into focus for US voters

by Michael Mathes

D

His simple but enchanting Inside Out Project -- register to vote, pose for a personal portrait, talk it out with neighbors -- is helping Americans see art through a new lens in extraordinary times, and to engage politically ahead of November's all-important midterm elections.

Hill, who recently dyed her blonde hair purple, acknowledged it was "kind of a stupid move" for her and friends to sit out the 2016 election.

So when they reached the Inside Out truck, Hill filled out a voter registration form, handed it to local activism group Jolt Texas, then entered the photo booth to snap a playful portrait that wound up on the building.

- 'Change the world' More than 300,000 people worldwide have participated in Inside Out since its founding in 2011, when JR proclaimed his desire to "change the world" through art.

The project has embraced themes such as domestic violence, justice and immigration, bearing witness to individuals often ignored in overheated rhetoric.

The photo trucks are on a 20city US tour, including stops in Florida, Texas and California, promoting the power of the ballot box.

The project is non-partisan, meant to re-imagine day-today discussions of the traditional town square, explained Gabe Rodriguez, who works with sponsor Emerson Collective and oversaw the Dallas event.

With political tensions swirling 20 months into Donald Trump's presidency, Rodriguez sounds relieved that there have been no angry clashes at the photo truck, just positivity.

"The more spaces we can create where people have a chance to focus on something beautiful, the more successful or meaningful for their community and the more productive the dialogue can be," he said.

Hispanic-American Jessica Martinez, 39, worried that Trump's aggressive rhetoric has "hindered" public discourse, but said Inside Out might help change that.

"I'm hoping it will inspire Latinas to come out and really speak their voice," she said, as her teen daughters posed for portraits.

In 2017 he hoisted a huge photograph of a smiling toddler in northern Mexico who appears to be peering over the border wall into California.

F

ORT BEND ISD (September 21, 2018) – The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees will host its annual Listening and Literacy Tour event for the 2018-19 school year. The tour allows Board members to hear from parents and community members, as they hold their monthly board workshops on campuses. Each event begins at 5 p.m.

This year’s Listening Tour stop is on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Dulles High School (550 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land 77478). Roundtable discussions will begin at 5 p.m., and parents are invited to ask questions of Board members and District leaders. Attendees

Among the attendees were Dean Bob McPherson of the UH College of Education, Dean Anthony Ambler of the UH College of Technology and Dean Kathryn Tart of the UH College of Nursing.

An artist reacts as a large portrait of Jessica Martinez rolls out of a photo booth truck that is part of French artist JR's "Inside Out Project" (AFP photo)

are also welcomed to stay for the Board’s monthly workshop, which begins at 6 p.m.

This year’s Literacy Tour stop will be at Briargate Elementary (15817 Blue Ridge Road, Missouri City 77489) on Monday, February 11, 2019. Board members will begin the evening by reading to students and taking their questions. Students will also receive a free book and families can enjoy educational games, as well as refreshments.

If time permits, the Board will also speak with parents and community members afterward.

Again, attended are welcome to stay for the night’s workshop, starting at 6 p.m.

Annual Scholarship ......

Dr. Nomita Bajwa is a doctor of pharmacy with a special interest in health promotion and literacy in school age children.

She has raised thousands of dollars in health grants for the Fort Bend County area, all with the goal of bringing cutting-edge, evidence-based health information and education to the community. She’s currently the CEO of Wellness Geeks Consultants.

By nightfall dozens of the black-and-white images had been pasted onto a Dallas building -- faces of America's young voters participating in French artist JR's latest effort to promote civic engagement.

"And we like taking pictures of ourselves, so it's a way to combine the two."

Fort Bend ISD to host annual Listening and Literacy Tour event

Continued from Page 5 gade Commander under the 94th Division in Ft. Lee, Virginia. He served two tours of duty in Iraq, one in Afghanistan and one in Honduras.

ALLAS | AFP - The truck, specially made to look like a classic camera, rolled up in the morning and started churning out poster-sized portraits of smiling Texans.

"It's promoting voter registration and making it easily accessible to my generation," Dallas teacher Taylor Hill, 26, told AFP Saturday as she waited for her portrait to unspool from a slit in the truck.

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

The scholarship donors included: The UH Fort Bend Alumni Association

Marjorie Akers Hilty Gurasich Scholarship The Michel Miller Memorial Scholarship The Paula M. Short Nursing Scholarship The Mayor Joe Zimmerman Scholarship The Hamill Foundation Scholarship The Rubin Sztajer Holocaust Survivor Scholarship The Good Samaritan Foundation The Gulf Coast Medical Foundation The Hazel H. Montgomery Family Trust Nursing Scholarship The John S. Dunn Foundation The Vivian L. Smith Foundation The Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation Scholarships The George Foundation Nursing Scholarships The George Foundation Scholarships

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

WhatsApp appoints 'Grievance Officer for India' in its biggest market

N

EW DELHI - Mobile messaging app Whatsapp has appointed a grievance officer for India and detailed out a process on its website for users to flag concerns and complaints, including those around fake news.

OPINION Legalization of culture of corruption in India; You decide!

messages.

India is WhatsApp's biggest market with more than 200 million users. In July, it limited message forwards to five chats at a time and removed the quick forward button to discourage mass forwarding.

Dr. Sulekh C. Jain

by Dr. Sulekh C. Jain

T

WhatsApp appointed Komal Lahiri grievance officer for India at the end of August (Photo: Facebook) Meeting one of the key demands made by India to curb fake messages that triggered mob killings, the Facebookowned company has updated its website to reflect the appointment of a 'Grievance Officer for India'.

The update mentions that users can seek help through the mobile app, send an email or write in to grievance officer Komal Lahiri, who is based out of the US. According to Lahiri's LinkedIn profile, she is the senior director, global customer operations and localisation, at WhatsApp.

It has also introduced a 'forward' label to help users identify such messages.

The latest appointment is also significant as the Supreme Court last month agreed to examine a petition alleging that WhatsApp does not comply with Indian laws, including the provision for appointing a grievance officer. The apex court had sought a reply on the matter within four weeks.

With general elections slated for next year in India, the government is taking a tough stance on the spread of misinformation through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

A WhatsApp spokesperson declined to comment on The government had warned the matter but pointed to the WhatsApp that it will treat the public FAQ on the company's messaging platform as abettor website of rumour that conpropagatains these tion while WhatsApp users can details. legal connow reach out to the sequences Accordcompany's support will follow ing to if adequate team directly from sources, checks are the app under Settings the apnot put in pointment tab and if they wish place. of the grievance officer was made at the end of August.

to escalate the complaint, they can contact the grievance officer

According to WhatsApp's website, users can reach out to the company's support team directly from the app under 'Settings' tab and if they wish to escalate the complaint, they can contact the grievance officer.

A section within the FAQs reads: "You (users) can contact the Grievance Officer with complaints or concerns, including the following: WhatsApp's Terms of Service; and Questions about your account."

The updated FAQs also listed out a mechanism for law enforcement officials on how to reach out to WhatsApp. The government has been pressing WhatsApp to develop tools to combat fake or false

In a meeting with WhatsApp Head Chris Daniels last month, information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted that the company will have to find a solution to track the origin of messages on its platform, set up a local corporate entity that is subject to Indian laws within a defined time frame as well as appoint a grievance officer.

WhatsApp, which has been slapped with two notices with a third one under consideration, has said it is in the process of establishing a local corporate entity.

It has, however, not accepted the government's demand for traceability of messages saying creating such a software will go against the idea of user privacy and end-to-end encryption. PTI

Amazon launches another free service in India

A

mazon Prime Reading, a service that comes as another benefit for Amazon Prime members, has now been launched in India. It lets Amazon Prime subscribers read from hundreds of eligible ebooks without spending anything additional.

Prime Reading comes alongside Kindle Unlimited that was launched in the country in September 2015 to offer unlimited access to over a million ebook titles at a monthly charge of Rs. 150.

However, unlike the standalone Kindle Unlimited, Prime Reading is touted to have hundreds of titles on offer. Amazon is offering literature and fiction, non-fiction, romance, comics, and Indian language ebooks under the Prime Reading model. There are popular titles such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling, Immortals of Meluha

by Amish, One Indian Girl by Chetan Bhagat, and Operation Deep Strike by Rahul Badami among others.

"Prime Reading builds the habit of reading," said Rajiv Mehta, Country Manager, Kindle India, in a press statement.

"Prime members can now read their favourite titles at no additional cost by conveniently downloading and reading ebooks within minutes. They can discover and read new and bestselling titles from a variety of authors at no additional cost.

Ebooks under Prime Reading include all genres like Literature & Fiction, Travel, and Romance."

Amazon Prime members in India can start exploring Prime Reading directly using their Kindle ebook reader or through the Kindle app for Android and iOS devices or by downloading the Kindle Lite app. - PTI

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

imes of India dated September 21st, 2018.

“Govt. of India has struck off 55,000 shell companies in the second phase of its efforts to curb illicit fund flows. Govt. had earlier in June said that it has identified 2.25 lakh companies? The Corporate Affairs Ministry has already struck off 2.26 lakh such other firms which were bogus and more are on the anvil. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs PP Choudhury told reporters that many of these Shell companies were involved in money laundering, drug funding, Smuggling, Terrorism funding, crimes and illegal activities” How many such bogus companies are still there and, why, who, how we got into this mess in the first place?

In mid 1950s ProfessorJohn Kenneth Galbraith, a famous US economist (who later served as US Ambassador to India as well) told Prime Minister Nehru that the Indian Income Tax rate at that time @ about 90% beyond certain income, was too punitive and thus will tempt people to cheat and eventually will open a whole Pandora’s box to legalizing corruption in India.

My brothers and sisters, Prof.

Gailberth was right and that is exactly what happened to India in the In all these years it destroyed the heart and soul of Bharat Varsh (Aatmaa disappeared) leaving behind just a kind of dead body. Over the years, people, dreamed, invented and found ways, means and systems to evade and cheat on Income Taxes. As a result,

practically every one, Government, administrators, law and order enforcement people, educationist, health Service providers, religious institution, dharmic gurus and preachers, businessmen, goods and service producers and distributors all got into this Ganga to pick low hanging fruits, have fun and enjoy the loot.

A huge army of accountants, tax consultants, lawyers, influence peddlers in collusion with Govt. and babus sprang up over time to promote this culture and share the bounty all around. Shame, guilt disappeared and corruption became a standard operating procedure everywhere. Brick by brick the beautiful temple called Bharat was demolished.

Instead of Ram Raj, Govt., babus and politicians in collusion with the powerful and interested people, devised and implemented Ration, Quota and Permit Raj. Tax Evasion, shell companies, number 2 economy (black), free flow of un-accounted money, black money and deposits in foreign banks flourished like no tomorrow. It gave further rise to Goonda Raj and extremely dirty politics. Courtesy, civility, ethics, honesty, morality, camaraderie (hallmark of a civilized society) disappeared from Bharat Varsh. Ishwar, Bhagwan Ram, Krishan, Mahavir, Gautama Buddha, Guru Nanak and Gandhi were replaced with one very simple and easy to pronounce word “Money”. No one cared for karma and Bhagwan anymore.

Money (and lots if it) made by any means became the new identity and new Bhagwan. Today one will be hard pressed to name even a single institution that is free from this cancerous disease.

Our whole way of living, culture, vaani (speech), interpersonal relationship, custom, traditions, Pooja and places of worship were all engulfed by this fire. Being smart means being corrupt. Hoarding, charging inflated prices, creating artificial scarcity of some essential items became standard norm and part of the culture. Everybody is to himself only. Interdependence and

interconnectedness are to be found in dictionary only.

To make my point, let me share with you a few real examples.

About 60 years ago, I was living in Chandigarh and teaching Engineering at Punjab Engineering College there. At our request, Chandigarh administration allotted to the Jain community there a good size piece of land in a very central location to build a place of worship.

Very soon after, we planned for a foundation Stone Laying ceremony and sent invitation to the nearby Jain and other communities to participate. We estimated the gathering to be of about 1,000 people. For this, we planned a lunch for all after the ceremony. The lunch menu consisted of simple vegetarian items along with two sweet items. For the sweets, we asked the halwaii (the guy who was going to make the sweets) how much sugar (Cheeni) he will need. He said 50kg. Since in those days sugar was on ration (not available without black in the market) we applied to Chandigarh Administration to allot us 50kg of sugar which they did. To participate in this ceremony a group of holy men (sadhus had also come a day earlier. The senior most holy man called me and asked me if we had gotten the sugar. I replied yes. He then asked how much. I said we needed 50kg, applied for 50kg and got 50kg.

Now the holy man asked me the next question, “why did you not apply for 1,000kg?” I said sir, what will we do with the balance 950 kg? He looked into my eyes and said “you are just a Professor and don’t understand. You could have easily sold the balance in the black market”. Hearing this, I was absolutely stunned and right away told him that “I am ashamed of him asked him to leave the place then and there.

We don’t want to build a place of worship which is based on such cheating. What is the need for such a place”? Naturally he too was surprised and had never expected such an answer from me or anyone else. This was even 60 years ago. You can only surmise who it is today. I realized how the whole

Indian society was behaving and changing then. I think sky is the only limit now and everything is ok (sab chalta hai) 6 years ago, I was staying as a Guest with a personal friend of mine who at that time was a senior justice in one of the State High Courts of India.

We started chatting about the menace and pervasiveness of corruption in Indian Society.

He said it is so pervasive and acceptable that hardly anyone at any level is free this disease. He quoted one incident.

He being a very senior level judge in a very prestigious High Court, often gets calls from some of his Governor friends. They ask him to suggest the name of someone or a friend who is willing to give to the Governor at least one Crore Rupees for his favor to be appointed a Vice Chancellor of some university in that State. Wow! I have also heard that some people buy awards such as Padma Shree etc. Very interesting Many Cow loving people have established lots of Cow shelters called Gau Shalas, Panjrapoles or Tabelas throughout India. Last year in October I read in Times of India that some of the Tabelas, instead of caring for the sick, old and injured cows, sell cows to the slaughter houses clandestinely. Here we go!

There are thousands and thousands of such examples.

It has become so normal that hardly any body’s conscience bothers him/her. The Show goes on and duplicating.

Now you decide.

Kahan hai woh meraa pyaraa Hindustan, main us ko Dhoond raha hoon.

Dr. Sulekh C. Jain is the Past Secretary and President of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). Dr. Jain also authored a book An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide, which can be accessed as an eBook free of charge at www.isjs.in Email; scjain@earthlink.net

SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

Indian court upholds legality of world's largest biometric database Continued from Front page In its ruling the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the scheme, saying the benefits far outweighed any risks.

The judges ruled that anybody drawing on government services -- from filing tax returns to accessing pensions or welfare -- would by law require an Aadhaar number.

"Supreme Court judgement on Aadhaar is a big win for the government," said Amit Malviya, a spokesman for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Twitter.

But the bench said corporations could not force customers to hand over their Aadhaar data -- a key complaint from privacy advocates who say the programme had gone too far.

"I am happy with the Aadhaar ruling. It should be made mandatory only where it is really needed," said senior BJP figure Subramanian Swamy after the ruling.

- Balanced verdict Indians will no longer be compelled to provide their unique ID to register for services like mobile phone numbers or bank accounts, something critics said gave companies un-

due access to private data.

"It is a balanced verdict," Ritesh Bhatia, cyber crime investigator and data privacy expert, told AFP. "The big thing is we don't have to give our personal details to mobile phone companies, which is a big relief as I won't be harassed with texts and calls any more."

The scheme was rolled out under the previous Congress Party government in 2010, but grew in scope under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose BJP swept to power in 2014.

Initially a voluntary programme, it evolved into a national ID mandatory for those wishing to access government services.

Even schoolchildren wanting free lunches provided by the state needed an Aadhaar -a controversy the court struck down in its landmark ruling.

"No child can be denied any scheme if they are not able to bring their Aadhaar number," the court said.

It also said students could not be denied enrolment if they did not possess the ID, saying a right to education was fundamental to all Indians.

The scheme has been dogged by controversy.

In October, an 11-year-old girl from an impoverished part of eastern India allegedly died of starvation after her family were unable to link their ration card to Aadhaar.

There were also scandals around Aadhaar data being allegedly sold online by criminals, and journalists being pursued over reporting on these breaches.

"India shouldn't be conditioning access to government necessities on possession of a biometric ID, nor should it be targeting journalists and researchers who write about vulnerabilities in the system's privacy protection," Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, tweeted after the verdict.

Last year, in a case linked to the biometric database, the government went to the Supreme Court to argue that Indians did not have a fundamental right to privacy -- a case that it lost.

The Supreme Court in January began hearing a series of challenges to the constitutional validity of Aadhaar, a Hindi word meaning "foundation".

A book review: The Billionaire Raj: A journey through India’s New Gilded Age

by James Crabtree

A

s I was browsing through the book, a comment by Jagadish Bhagwati on the back cover, “it is bound to become a classic” caught my attention. Otherwise I was about to ignore the book thinking it is all about the lavish style of Nouveau riche.

When I went through the topics covered by the book, I could not keep the book down. They are: Ambani Land, The Good Times Begin, Rise Of the Bollygarchs, India Modified, The Season Of Scams, Cronyism Goes South, House Of Debt, The Anxious Tycoons, More Than A Game, The Nation Wants To Know, The Tragedies of Modi, and Conclusion: A Progressive Era?

Description of Mukesh Ambani’s 160 meter residential skyscraper “Antilia” in the background of Mumbai’s Shanties with corrugated sheets and tarpaulins for roofs make any reader repulsive of conspicuous consumption of the new rich.

The book charts three critical elements in India’s recent history. The first one deals with the rise of the super rich resulting in income inequality and entrenched corporate power.

Today India has over one hundred billionaires more than any other country bar America, China and Russia. One percent of Indians own more than 50% of national wealth, one of the highest concentration in the world.

The second critical element is the rise of crony capitalism which results in collusion between political and business elites to capture valuable public resources. When old central planning and state controls of “license, permit, quota raj” were replaced after 1991 ushering a new free market era, there was much expectation that it will lead to better and more

by Shahid Hashmi

A

BU DHABI, United Arab Emirates | AFP | Wednesday 9/26/2018 - Mushfiqur Rahim scored a fighting 99 to guide Bangladesh into the Asia Cup final with a convincing 37-run win over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The former skipper missed out a deserving century but still lifted Bangladesh from a precarious 12-3 to 239 all out in 49.5 overs before they kept Pakistan down to 202-9 in 50 overs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Mashrafe Mortaza's team will now face defending champions India in the final in Dubai on Friday, with an opportuntiy to win the continental title for the first time.

Bangladesh's victory will upset millions of fans around the world who wanted another Indo-Pak clash as the two matches in the first and second round failed to live up to their billing, with India winning both in one-sided affairs.

But Bangladesh were worthy winners on Wednesday.

Bangladesh bowled with discipline with left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman leading the pack with 4-43 as Pakistan yet again batted poorly with only opener Imam-ul-Haq fighting hard through a laborious 105ball 82.

Imam, who hit two fours and a six, held the innings together and added 67 for the fourth wicket with Shoaib Malik (30) and another 71 for the seventh wicket with Asif Ali (31).

However, both Imam and Asif fell in successive overs to give Bangladesh only their fifth win over Pakistan in 36 one-day internationals.

Pakistan got off to a disastrous start when opener Fakhar Zaman holed out off the fifth delivery of the first over, caught

by Bhamy V. Shenoy

The book starts with a totally ruined, one of the most expensive cars in the world (costing more than $700,000), Aston Martin Rapide on December 8, 2013 in Mumbai near Beach Candy. The Aston finally turned out to be owned by Reliance. Media tried to conjecture who the actual driver of the car was, but never succeeded. The saving grace was that in the three car accident, no one died. Author was trying to communicate in a subtle way that in this gilded age of India, Bollygarchs (like the oligarchs of Russia or yester year’s robber barons of the US) could get away with murder.

Mushfiqur, Mustafizur lead Bangladesh to Asia Cup final

honest government. Instead there were mega scams and politicians becoming super rich.

The third critical element deals with the boom and bust cycle of India’s industrial economy as a result of the above two elements. The bollygarchs were able to borrow huge amount money. When the global financial hit the country, overstretched businesses struggled to repay the debts. It is sad to read how highly connected managed to invest in power plants with no equity by hoodwinking the “gullible” public sector banks.

On paper developers met the required investment of 30% equity which was actually not their capital. They diverted it from another company which had taken loans from another bank. The recent banking fraud by Nirad Modi looks like a small potato compared to these scams of the industrialists. The rot at the heart of Indian capitalism was exposed in a report, “House of Debt”

by Ashish Gupta of Credit Suisse.

Author was able to talk with exile Vijay Mallya in London to get his side of the story. To be expected Mallya tried to convince him that it was not his fault. Government forced him to repay the loan quickly without giving him a chance restructure which resulted in his bankruptcy. It is fascinating to read the interview of the author with the “Big Bull”, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala as he was sipping $450 John-

nie Walker in Mumbai office.

A self made man without any ties to politicians Jhunjhunwala, India’s Warren Buffet has decided to give 25% of his wealth to charities. When questioned whether he could give even more, response was “May be”.

While there is some mention of demonetization in the book, there is no in-depth discussion. Author has high praise for former RBI governor, Raghuram Rajan. According to Rajan, graft is not the real problem of the banking sector. It is the power imbalance between the creditors and tycoons to whom they lent.

Despite all the problems he has seen in India, the author sees a bright future for India.

According to him Modi has reset the balance between politics and business which should result in less cronyism and less corruption. Despite being amazingly corrupt, China has been able to achieve huge social and economic progress because of its capable state machinery. While India should continue to fight crony capitalism and corruption, India should work on strengthening “State Capacity”. This is what happened in the US more than a century ago. After the corruption ridden gilded age came the progressive era when the middle class cleaned up politics and got control over the government. Author is hopeful that the largest democracy in the world can achieve it.

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Baby dies following Qatar Airways flight to India

M

UMBAI, India | AFP | Wednesday 9/26/2018 - Qatar Airways said Wednesday that a baby had died following a flight from Doha to the Indian city of Hyderabad.

"We are aware of the very sad news that a young child passed away at Hyderabad International Airport this morning," the airline said in a statement.

"Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with the affected family," it added.

A spokesperson for Qatar Airways told AFP that the baby was an 11-month-old boy who had been on the flight with his parents in the early hours of Wednesday.

off spinner Mehidy Hasan.

Left-armer Mustafizur then removed Babar Azam (one) and captain Sarfraz Ahmed (10) to leave Pakistan in tatters at 18-3 before Malik and Imam brought some solidity in the chase.

Mortaza praised an all our effort, despite missing star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan through injury.

"The bowlers did a good job, especially when we didn't get the runs," said Mashrafe.

"But Mushi and Mithun batted really well and got us to a fighting total."

"We are proud of our fielding today. For a long time we haven't seen this quality of fielding in our team, so hopefully the boys can understand the value of good fielding."

Sarfraz was upset with team's showing in the six-team tournament.

"It's not a good feeling," said Sarfraz. "As a captain, I didn't do well. We didn't field well, our batting collapsed and as a

The parents became aware that their child was having breathing problems after the plane had landed as they made their way to the immigration counter, the spokesperson said.

He was taken to the city's Apollo hospital.

A spokeswoman for Hyderabad airport denied that the baby had died at the airport.

"We're awaiting for investigations to conclude and for official reports from both Qatar Airways and Apollo hospitals on the baby's death," Sangeetha C R said.

The hospital was not immediately available for comment when contacted by AFP.

team we didn't do well in any department.

"It seems the team which won the Champions Trophy last year didn't come here at all."

It was Rahim who built Bangladesh's innings after it also got off to the worst possible start.

Rahim faced 116 balls and added an invaluable 144 for the fourth wicket with Mithun (60) to help Bangladesh recover from a shaky 12-3 after they won the toss and and opted to bat.

Left-arm paceman Junaid Khan, who replaced Mohammad Amir, had jolted Bangladesh at the start, dismissing Liton Das (six), Soumya Sarkar (0) and Mominul Haque (five).

Junaid finished with 4-19 in his nine incisive overs.

Rahim hit nine boundaries before he was caught behind with just one needed for a second hundred in the tournament, following his 144 against Sri Lanka in the first round.

US/WORLD

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Chinese interference in US at 'unacceptable level': White House

W

ASHINGTON | AFP | Chinese government interference in US politics, media and business has reached an "unacceptable level," a White House official said Wednesday.

Signalling that Washington's trade war with Beijing has spilled into an ever growing number of areas, the official, who asked not to be named, told journalists that China was deploying economic, military and informational tools to spread influence and to undermine the US government.

"The activities have reached an unacceptable level," he said.

The official said the policy of "actively interfering in our political system includes hurting farmers in districts and states that voted for the president."

He was referring to China's imposition of tariffs on soybeans -- a hugely important trade in the electorally crucial state of Iowa -- as retaliation for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods.

In New York on Wednesday, Trump also spoke out, accusing China's government of paying for newspaper space in Iowa to push its message.

"They don't look like ads, they look like editorials and they're not -- they're by China,"

White House (AFP Photo) Trump said. "They don't want me to get elected."

Trump tweeted earlier that these "propaganda ads" are being placed "because we are beating them on Trade, opening markets."

The White House official said that China's push for influence over the United States also targets "political candidates, depending on whether they criticize or support Chi-

nese policies."

He said that Chinese media organizations were used as fronts, while "some of these activities are actually covert."

So Many Degrees.

So Little Tuition.

The Chinese government "employs cyber, it employs in some cases corruption and it employs propaganda," he said.

Vice President Mike Pence is due to make a speech on the growing controversy next week.

Fueled by Beto fever....

With Associates Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic candidate seeking the US Senate seat currently held by Ted Cruz, addressing a crowd of supporters at a historic black church in south Dallas (AFP Photo/Laura Buckman).

Continued from Front page for Beto -- and not from special interests or corporations, he insists.

His rallies attract overflow crowds, and the non-partisan Cook Political Report just shifted his race with Cruz from leans Republican to "toss up."

"This looks like Texas, this looks like America, this looks like the future, right?"

O'Rourke told supporters packing the pews recently at Good Street Baptist Church in south Dallas.

He addressed years of voter suppression and an unfair justice system he said targets minorities, the need for more healthcare options for Americans, and how Trump's border policies have kept hundreds of detained immigrant children separated from their parents.

"Preach, Beto!" shouted an approving supporter.

Whether or not O'Rourke is speaking for most Texas voters will become clear on November 6.

The largest Texas cities are Democratic, but the rest of this sprawling southern state is comprised of conservative small towns and cowboy country, where traditions die hard and Cruz rules.

Beto is "very intelligent and he's a good speaker, but he's liberal as hell," said realty executive James Griffith, 74, as he attended the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene.

- Tightening race "He's socialist to the core," Winston Ohlhausen, the 78-year-old GOP chairman for Taylor County, told AFP of Beto, claiming the Democrat does not share "Texas values."

"He's for sanctuary cities, no border wall, he's for more tax-

es, for abortion... I think Cruz is going to wipe him out bad," Ohlhausen said.

Polls show a tightening race in Texas, but also in Senate battles in Arizona, Nevada and Tennessee where Republicans are the incumbents.

Democrats are struggling to hold several of their Senate seats too. But experts say the political pendulum may be readying to swing left with a so-called blue wave, especially in the House of Representatives.

Democrats have fielded the party's strongest slate of congressional candidates in years, particularly in Texas, where decorated military veterans and African-American educators are challenging Republican incumbents.

"This community is ready for change," Colin Allred, a former NFL football player running for Congress in District 32 near Dallas, told AFP before marching in a pride parade.

"For far too long in Texas we have told too many people that they shouldn't be involved in their own democracy, that they shouldn't be engaged, that they shouldn't vote," Allred said.

The power of incumbency is strong in Texas, where Republicans are said to hold a voter advantage of 900,000 statewide.

But shifting demographics, including thousands of Hispanic immigrants whose citizen children are reaching voting age, are changing the state's political hue.

"I don't think Texas is the strict red state that it once was," office worker Caroline Korst, 23, said at an O'Rourke rally in Plano.

Months of polling shows Americans prefer Democrats to represent them in Congress by

nearly eight percentage points over Republicans.

Democrats "have the wind at their back, they have momentum right now and I'm concerned about it," acknowledged Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist in the state capital Austin.

- Complacency The threat to Cruz is so unexpectedly sharp that Trump announced plans to campaign for the senator.

"The danger is that the economy is booming, people are focused on their jobs or their kids or going to church and they just don't make it out to vote," Cruz told a crowd in Columbus, Texas. "Our danger is complacency."

"With Texas 49th out of 50 states in turnout, the midterms will be more about mobilizing than persuading voters, said James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.

Degrees and Certifications in more than 100 fields, HCC can help you get into the university or career of your choice. Register now.

While Henson predicts Democrats will have their best midterm cycle in at least a decade, "it's going to be hard for them to alter the statewide monopoly that Republicans hold, and that includes O'Rourke."

But Beto has resonated in The Lone Star State.

Asked by AFP how he responds to Republican charges that he does not reflect Texan values, Beto said that after campaigning in all 254 counties -- some of which went 85 percent to Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016 -- he feels "very good" about his chances.

"I have a good sense of who we are, and we're not a people who make our decisions based on fear," he said of Texans.

"We're not afraid of the future."

HCCS.EDU/NOW

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Indian American Nurses Nightingale Award Night The purpose of the Indian - American Nurses Nightingale Award is to honor, recognize, award and to give the respect due to Indian American Nurses for their sacrifice and service. This will help recognize the next generation to know the nurses who walked before all of us to this land of opportunity who are responsible for the rich life the later generation is enjoying now.

If you are not a nurse, please help in reaching someone else you know who is deserving of this award.

Please support this noble act by registering your name.

Koshy Thomas Publisher and CEO, Voice of Asia Group You can call me at 832-419-7537

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 12

Processing backlog is on the rise

T

he naturalisation upswing comes close on the heels of the reported 8.3 lakh growth in the number of Indian immigrants entering the US over the past seven years (see TOI front page report on September 17).

In aggregate, seven lakh individuals were conferred citizenship by the US government during the fiscal year 2017 (period between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017) of which Indians constituted 7%.

As compared to the previous year, 4,600 more Indians were conferred US citizenship during 2017. The report adds that the largest numeric increase in naturalisation occurred among immigrants born in Mexico (increase of 15,009, or 14%), India (4,614, 10%) and China (1,880, 5%).

Immigration experts say that those aspiring to become US citizens are now finding it tougher.

There is extreme vetting of applications and an uptake in denials on “odd” grounds that date back many years. A spike in the number of applications, spurred

by uncertainty on work visa policies, has resulted in a huge processing backlog in administrative offices across the US. The US department of homeland security has provided aggregate data of the number of applications received over the years (a breakup based on country of origin is not available). With 9.87 lakh applications for US citizenship, 2017 saw a marginal rise of 1.5% over the previous year.

Backlog swells by 93% since 2015, activists file lawsuit: Normally, only green cardholders can opt for the naturalisation process. While a green card is a permit to live and work long term in the US, the flux in visa policies and the focus on more jobs for citizens is inducing many green card-holders to opt for US citizenship, say immigration experts. However, the backlog in processing of citizenship applications is on the rise. According to the National Partnership for New Americans Backlog swells by 93% since 2015, activists file lawsuit: NPNA and a few other asso-

ciations filed a lawsuit on September 17 (which is celebrated as Citizenship Day in the US) as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) failed to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request, made in early August, to provide documents related to the backlog of citizenship applications.

“We are suing USCIS because the Trump administration has created a ‘second wall’ that is preventing lawfully present immigrants from becoming US citizens and voting and voting.

Whether this is a result of hostility to immigrants or wilful mismanagement makes no difference. It must stop,” Joshua Hoyt, executive director at NPNA, told TOI. Added to the backlog woes is the spike in denials of naturalisation applications. “The grounds for denial are unpredictable, they could even relate to errors made when obtaining H-1B visas or green cards. This adds to the uncertainty,” Rajiv S Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration. com, told TOI.

In a list of expenses seen by AFP, the Beijing municipal authority said Jianweitang -the holding company of Zion Church -- owes them some 800,000 yuan in back rent.

Other items include: 148,000 yuan for overstaying; 114,000 yuan in moving fees, which included 66 vehicles, 18 people and an additional fee to move six pianos; 8,000 yuan in packing fees; 90,000 yuan for three months of storage; 3,600 yuan for two days of video recording; and 55,000 yuan in overtime pay for 55 "property workers".

Zion's founding pastor Jin Mingri said the notice came as a surprise when they contacted the authorities to try retrieve church property after hearing that the space was being cleared out.

"Not only did they not negotiate with us before moving our things, there's no reason in asking us to pay this exorbitant moving cost," Jin told AFP on Wednesday, adding that it would be "impossible" for the group to pay.

He said the rental had been paid long before, and that the authorities had tripled their rental on the expenses list.

- 'Unregistered and unauthorised' Zion, housed on the third floor of a nondescript commercial building in a northern suburb, had up to 1,600 people attending its services each weekend.

But on September 9 some 70 officers stormed into Zion's premises and ordered everyone out, tearing down signs and the church's logo.

The local civil affairs bureau said the church was unregistered and its activities were unauthorised.

can signed a historic accord allowing the Pope to have the final say in naming bishops in the country.

China's 12 million Catho-

Donald Trump nominates Indian-American to Agency on Privacy & Civil Liberties

P

resident Donald Trump has nominated a prominent Indian-American law professor and legal expert to an agency on privacy and civil liberties.

Aditya Bamzai, a professor at University of Virginia's School of Law, has been nominated by Trump to be a member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for the remainder of a six-year term expiring January, 29, 2020.

The agency works to ensure that efforts by the executive branch of the government to protect the nation from terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties.

According to Bamzai's profile on the university website, he teaches and writes about civil procedure, administrative law, federal courts, national security law and computer crime.

He joined the University of Virginia School of Law's faculty as an associate professor in June 2016.

China charges shuttered church $170,000 after eviction...

Continued from front page

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

lics are divided between a government-run association whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party and an "underground" church loyal to the Vatican.

Bamzai has argued cases relating to the separation of powers and national security in

No such deal appears in sight for churches like Zion, whose

Aditya Bamzai the U.S. Supreme Court, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, D.C. Circuit and other federal courts of appeals.

He is a graduate of Yale University and of the University of Chicago Law School, where he was the editor-in-chief of the law review Before entering the academy, Bamzai served as an attorneyadviser in the Office of Legal

members have taken to meeting in parks and homes, Jin

s n o i t a r b e l e C a Gal

30 th

1988 - 2018

THIRTY IN CHARITY

We live here, We give here Giving towards Philanthropy, Health, Education & General Welfare

The building was subsequently kept under heavy security and those without business in the area were barred from entering the compound.

The church's troubles started in February this year as tighter regulations on religious groups kicked in -- the authorities had asked for CCTV cameras to be installed in the church but Jin refused.

Jin was also among some 200 pastors from underground churches who put their names to a petition complaining of "assault and obstruction" by the government -- including the tearing down of crosses -since the regulations came into effect.

China's top leaders have recently called for the "Sinicisation" of religious practice -- bringing it in line with "traditional" Chinese values and culture. The call has sparked concern among rights groups.

Christians in the country are split between unofficial "house" or "underground" churches like Zion, and state-sanctioned churches where Communist Party songs also feature in the order of service.

The church controversy comes as Beijing and the Vati-

Keynote Speaker:

Bhavesh V. (Bob) Patel, CEO, LyondellBasell

VENUE: Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd, Stafford, TX 77477 DATE: Saturday, October 6th, 2018 | 6:00 pm Tickets & Sponsorship: www.iacfhouston.com Email: iacfpresident@gmail.com President - Mahesh Wadhwa (832) 868-6561.

President Elect - Shobana Muratee Major Sponsors

Counsel of the U.S. Department of Justice and as an appellate attorney in both private practice and for the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.

Earlier in his career, he was a law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court and to Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

- PTI

said.

- AFP

VOICE OF ASIA 13

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

YOUNG LIFE: POPE ACKNOWLEDGES YOUNG PEOPLE ‘PUT OFF’ BY CHURCH SCANDALS Page 16

www.voiceasiaonline.com

Business Email: voiceasia@aol.com

IACCGH features 3 families with successful generational businesses

Moderator Pradeep Anand with panelists Jugal Malani, Pankaj Malani, Rishi Bhutada, Ramesh Bhutada, Abhishek Dhingra, Mrs. Vijay Dhingra. Photo credit Bijay Dixit.

by Manu Shah

H

OUSTON - In a first of its kind event, two generations came together to give their take on Generational Business Transition. Founders Ramesh Bhutada and son Rishi of Star Pipe Products, Jugal Malani and Pankaj of Unique Group of Companies and Mrs. Vijay Dhingra with Abhishek of Expotech USA, shared insights on how the second generation was initiated into the family business and how they are being groomed to take over the reins in the future.

The event, organized by IACCGH at the Hess Club on September 20, was sponsored by AJ Gallagher & Company represented by Bill Newman.

The topic clearly garnered a great deal of interest and was evident in the packed room. Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia revealed that in the last 24 hours alone, registrations doubled from 90 to 180.

The novel concept came from Star Pipe Controller Vijay Pallod and Chamber President Swapan Dhairyawan. It highlighted the success stories of three Indo American entrepreneurs and quizzed the second generation on shouldering this responsibility and taking it forward. In his remarks, President Dhairyawan thanked his Board and pitched for the sustainability and continuity of this series in the future as a Signature event of the Chamber.

Unique Group of Companies founded in 2008 by Jugal Malani imports, warehouses and distributes a wide range of OEM products servicing the Plumbing & Drainage, HVAC, Gas & Electrical industries. Star Pipe Products founded in 1981 by Ramesh Bhutada is a global manufacturer and supplier of pipe fittings with 1400 employees globally and Expotech, a women owned business started by Vijay Dhingra in 1985 is a world class distributor of laboratory, chemical and industrial equipment and supplies. All three have been honored in the past by IACCGH for their business acumen and entrepreneurial success.

Moderator Pradeep Anand, a business coach and consultant, kicked off the event with some interesting statistics. Family owned businesses account for an estimated 80% of companies worldwide and are the largest source of long-term employment in most countries. In the US, they employ 60% of workers and create 78% of new jobs. US Statistics also reveal that only 30% of family business orga-

Section 2 Tel: 713-774-5140

US Fed raises benchmark interest rate to 2.0 - 2.25%

W

A S H INGTON | AFP | 9/26/2018 - The Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate on Wednesday for the third time this year but showed no indication it would be more aggressive in efforts to head off inflation.

The central bank boosted the lending rate to 2.0 percent - Jerome H. Powell, US Fed chairman. Photo credit: Mi2.25 percent, a quarter- chael Reynolds/EPA, via Shutterstock point increase in the target range. tions and inflation near the commitIt once again said “further gradual tee’s symmetric two percent objective increases” would allow continued ex- over the medium term,” the statement pansion of the economy while keeping said. inflation around the Fed’s two percent But the statement no longer detarget. scribes the rate level as “accommoHowever, the closely scrutinized dative,” while continuing to note the statement from the rate-setting Feder- strong gains in economic activity and al Open Market Committee removed a employment. longstanding phrase which described The Fed has now raised the key rate the Fed’s rate stance as providing eight times since late 2015, with one stimulus to the economy. more expected in the final meeting of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will the year in December. hold a news conference later WednesIn their quarterly forecast, the cenday to explain the thinking behind the tral bankers did not signal that they unanimous decision. would have to act more aggressively “The committee expects that further to constrain prices, as the inflation gradual increases...will be consistent forecast for next year was slightly with sustained expansion of economic lower than in June, while the interest activity, strong labor market condi- rate outlook was unchanged.

Weaker rupee, regulations make realty attractive for NRIs L to R: Rishi Bhutada, Swanpan Dhairyawan, Charlie Yalamanchili, Ramesh Bhutada. Photo credit Bijay Dixit nizations last into a second generation.

Contrary to expectations, Pankaj, Rishi and Abhishek were all initially reluctant to join the family business.

All three explored other options before coming on board and when they did, they began at the bottom, working in the warehouse and gradually moved up the ranks. Rishi, who joined the company after securing a Business degree from Wharton, even underwent an interview process before joining as a management trainee. The no-privileges training served them well and today all three hold positions in the top management of their companies.

In each case, the founders addressed the importance of establishing a “family like atmosphere” in the company with the result that employee turnover is extremely low. Expotech welcomes inputs in decision making and boasts of employees who have been with the company for 30 years.

Star Pipe has 3 generations of the McCutcheon family working for it and husband-wife teams are the norm. Unique retains talent by inviting employees to become partners in the business. Emphasizing this point, Rishi stated that employees should enjoy their place of work and not consider it a place where “they pick up a paycheck.” Likewise, Abhishek underscored the importance of encouraging talent with training programs and continuous engagement with senior personnel. Pankaj highlighted the recreation room, gym, basketball court and other facilities at Unique to encourage bonding among its employees.

Business philosophies are striking-

ly similar. As Ramesh Bhutada put it “businesses must be “anchors for the families, for the employees and the community. They should constantly evolve, be receptive to new ideas and aim “to become a larger mission.”

True millennials, all three played a critical role in deploying new technologies to optimize efficiency in their businesses.

The three founders have always demonstrated an empathy and generosity to worthy causes. Ramesh Bhutada hailed each family’s legacy of service from Jugal Malani’s grandfather who opened his warehouse to feed people during a severe drought, his own father who was a dedicated social worker in a small village in India and Ashok’s Dhingra’s commitment to building India House and remarked that the next generation has this “legacy to fulfil.”

All three boys were equally emphatic about continuing the tradition of community service they have seen their parents display.

The older generation are making way for the younger generation to come to the forefront, but as Jugal Malani put it, the transition comes with greater expectations, greater responsibility and “greater pressure to prove themselves.”

Looking down the road, all three seem comfortably poised to take it to the next level.

For more information, visit iaccgh. com. The next Shell Distinguished Lecture event is on October 18th with HEB President Scott McClelland.

M

UMBAI PTI - A fluctuating rupee, and introduction of various regulations to bring in transparency and accountability, are making real estate more lucrative for non-resident Indians (NRIs), experts say.

Rupee is hovering near 73 against the US dollar since the past one week.

“The drop in rupee can be seen as an investment opportunity for individual buyers as well as institutional investors. Over the past few months we have witnessed a lot of interest from NRIs. This trend continues to grow stronger due to the timely reforms introduced that brought transparency and accountability in the sector,” CBRE Chairman, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa Anshuman Magazine told PTI here.

With the real estate industry estimated at about Rs 3 trillion annually, about 7-8 per cent of the inventory is being bought and held by NRIs each year.

“This amounts to about Rs 21,00030,000 crore of annual purchases by NRIs each year. Due to weaker rupee, a 10 per cent depreciation allows NRIs to enter at a 10 per cent discount compared to the domestic resident counter parts,” Nisus Finance Managing Director and CEO Amit Goenka said.

Given the current trend of enquiries and purchases in the last 2-3 months, it is being estimated that this consumption will rise to about 10-12 per cent.

“Hence 3-5 per cent increase in NRI consumption of residential and commercial inventory will further boost project sales and suck up significant unsold inventory,” Goenka added.

According to Naredco national president Niranjan Hiranandani, for NRIs,

this situation (rupee fall) is a deja-vu of sorts as it is the same as the scenario the country witnessed in 2012.

“Home buying is regaining traction, RERA has made it better and in a situation where property prices at primary level are down by 10-15 percent, and the currency valuation adds another 10-15 percent, it definitely is a scenario where the NRI buyer is back,” he added.

Property portal Zvesta.com’s founder Rajan RPT Rajan Dang seconded that, saying fall in the rupee will definitely boost the demand of properties in India and NRIs are willing to invest in realty market especially in the metro cities to get good returns.

“Online property aggregators are also getting much benefit through this with their increase in traffic numbers from day to day. NRIs are easily searching for the best properties in India with having a golden opportunity to to buy it at an affordable price,” he added.

Omkar Realtors, which is marketing its recently launched integrated realty project ‘Sereno OID’ in Andheri in the suburban Mumbai in both domestic and global markets, has received almost 100 bookings from NRIs, which is 20 per cent of total inventory, averaging a total cost of Rs 125 crore, into its project.

“For NRIs, depreciating Indian rupee seems encouraging to further invest back home in a property due to lesser dependence on “We see investment interest bouncing back as expat Indians are not only keen on purchasing a home in their homeland, but have also shown an increased interest in purchasing purely for investment purposes,” he said.

VOICE OF ASIA 14

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

BOLLYWOOD - HOLLYWOOD

Section 2

Bill Cosby sentenced to 3 to 10 years in state prison victim Andrea Constand’s statement to the court, in which she said Cosby took her “beautiful, young spirit and crushed it.”

Cosby declined the opportunity to speak before the sentence came down, and afterward sat laughing and chatting with his defense team. His wife of 54 years, Camille, was not in court. Constand Getty Images smiled broadly upon hearing the punishment and was hugged by others in the rosecutors had asked for the comedian to receive five to 10 courtroom. years behind bars, while his In a blistering statement, Cosby lawyers asked for house arrest, in the spokesman Andrew Wyatt said the first celebrity trial of the #MeToo era. comic was subjected to “most racist His Hollywood career and good-guy and sexist trial in the history of the image in ruins, Bill Cosby was led United States.” Reading the lengthy away to prison in handcuffs Tuesday statement off his cell phone, Wyatt at age 81 for perhaps the rest of his claimed both Cosby and Judge Brett days, sentenced to three to 10 years Kavanaugh are victims of a “sex war” behind bars for drugging and sexually going on in Washington that he also assaulting a woman at his gated estate. claims Judge O’Neill to be a part of.

P

The punishment made him the first celebrity of the #MeToo era to be sent to prison and all but completed the dizzying, late-in-life fall from grace for the comedian, TV star and breaker of racial barriers.

“It is time for justice. Mr. Cosby, this has all circled back to you. The time has come,” Montgomery County Judge Steven O’Neill said when sentencing him to state prison and “total confinement.” He quoted from

Among other things, Wyatt said all three of the psychologists who testified against Cosby were “white women who make money off of accusing black men of being sexual predators,” and he accused prosecutors of using a doctored recording of a telephone conversation between Constand’s mother and Cosby.

Cosby’s lawyers asked that he be allowed to remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction.

- The Hollywood Reporter

Padma Lakshmi pens powerful essay about being raped at 16 and its devastating aftermath

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Kareena Kapoor Khan on rooting for equality,

steering clear of labels and why size doesn’t matter!

Interview by Priyanka Sinha Jha

Y

ou have never been afraid of speaking your mind. You have always projected your beliefs very clearly. Recently you said that you believe in gender equality, but you are not a feminist.

I don’t like the word. Trolls can troll me, they can continue to do that.

But you have always rooted for equality.

Absolutely. I just don’t want it to be tagged that I am standing for feminism. I don’t believe in these words.

I do believe in equality. There are a thousand versions of feminism. Everyone has their version and take on what it is. That’s why I said, I won’t to be branded as anything — that I am this and I am that. I am a person, I am a human being, who believes in equality. Now, whatever you want to do, troll me, call me, it’s up to everybody else. I would like to be known as Kareena Kapoor, but I am also Kareena Kapoor Khan, and I am also Mrs Saif Ali Khan, I am absolutely fine (with it).

Saif has obviously been a huge influence in your life. What’s the best influence he has brought to your life?

There are many things that he has added to my life and personality. He has allowed me to be exactly the way I am. He has allowed me to live the life I wanted to. He has supported me in that. I think the biggest thing is when a man can add to your life, rather than subtract from it.

Do you think it’s a great trend that Hollywood and Bollywood actresses are

“When I think about it now, I realize that by the time of this rape, I had already absorbed certain lessons,” she continues. “When I was 7 years old, my stepfather’s relative touched me between my legs and put my hand on his erect penis. Shortly after I told my mother and stepfather, they sent me to India for a year to live with my grandparents. The lesson was: If you speak up, you will be cast out.”

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

now sticking to their natural sizes instead of trying to fit into a standard size?

Absolutely, I think if you are doing it for a part, it’s great. But I think, otherwise, one should just be comfortable the way they are. As far as fitness is concerned, one should be fit and healthy, that’s something every girl should aspire to be. And I always say, size has nothing to do with being healthy or being fit. It’s about how

BOLLYWOOD RUMORS

comfortable you are.

In this phase of your life, do you see yourself making an effort to do an international project?

I don’t think I have that drive. And I don’t think I have that sort of ambition. I know exactly what I want and what I enjoy doing. I am happy with what’s on my plate.

- Indian Express

It’s true!

When a lady slapped Abhishek Bachchan and said to him, ‘You’re embarrassing your family’s name, stop acting’

Lakshmi is going public about her sexual assault in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial tweet last week concerning Christine Blasey Ford’s allegation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh attempted to rape her while they were in high school.

Kavanaugh has denied the accusation.

Getty Images

P

adma Lakshmi is opening up about the night she says she was sexually assaulted as a teenager and its far-reaching consequences in her life.

The 48-year-old Top Chef host and model writes in a New York Times OpEd published on Tuesday that she was raped at 16 by a 23-year-old man she had been dating. She says the two met while she was working at the Puente Hills Mall in Los Angeles, where they both worked but at different stores.

“He would come in wearing a gray silk suit and flirt with me,” she recalls.

“He was in college, and I thought he was charming and handsome. When we went out, he would park the car and come in and sit on our couch and talk to my mother. He never brought me home late on a school night. We were intimate to a point, but he knew that I was a virgin and that I was unsure of when I would be ready to have sex.”

She says that after a few months of dating, he raped her on New Year’s Eve. Lakshmi says that after the two attended a couple of parties, she went to his apartment and fell asleep on his bed.

“The next thing I remember is waking up to a very sharp stabbing pain like a knife blade between my legs,” she writes. “He was on top of me. I asked, ‘What are you doing?’ He said, ‘It will only hurt for a while.’ ‘Please don’t do this,’ I screamed.”

“The pain was excruciating, and as he continued, my tears felt like fear,” she continues. “Afterward, he said, ‘I thought it would hurt less if you were asleep.’ Then he drove me home.”

Lashmi says she never reported the assault to the police and didn’t tell her mother or her friends. She also admits to feeling confused about the incident.

“I don’t think I classified it as rape -or even sex -- in my head,” she notes.

“I’d always thought that when I lost my virginity, it would be a big deal -- or at least a conscious decision. The loss of control was disorienting. In my mind, when I one day had intercourse, it would be to express love, to share pleasure or to have a baby. This was clearly none of those things. Later, when I had other boyfriends my senior year of high school and in my first year of college, I lied to them -- I said I was still a virgin.

Emotionally, I still was.”

“I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents,” Trump tweeted on Friday. “I ask that she bring those filings forward so that we can learn date, time, and place!”

Lakshmi says Trump’s comment made her think about her own sexual assault.

“These experiences have affected me and my ability to trust,” she writes. “It took me decades to talk about this with intimate partners and a therapist. Some say a man shouldn’t pay a price for an act he committed as a teenager. But the woman pays the price for the rest of her life, and so do the people who love her.”

She also says she regrets not reporting her rapist but points out the scrutiny she believes she would have been subjected to.

“We had no language in the 1980s for date rape,” she explains. “I imagined that adults would say: ‘What the hell were you doing in his apartment? Why were you dating someone so much older?’ ... You may want to know if I had been drinking on the night of my rape.

It doesn’t matter, but I was not drunk.

“I think if I had at the time named what happened to me as rape -and told others -- I might have suffered less,” she later muses.

“Looking back, I now think I let my rapist off the hook and I let my 16-year-old self down.”

- Entertainment Tonight

A

t a recent summit, Abhishek Bachchan revealed that he was once slapped by someone outside a film theatre in Mumbai that was playing his film Shararat.

Watch him narrate the incident below.

When Abhishek Bachchan was slapped outside a film theatre When Abhishek Bachchan was slapped outside a film theatre Abhishek Bachchan recently attended Jagran Film Summit as a guest speaker. During the summit, he was asked several questions related to his recent films Manmarziyaan, his character in the film Robbie, his journey in the Hindi film industry, being Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan’s son, nepotism and more. During the chat, he revealed that after watching Manmarziyaan his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said to him that he is a very good actor.

But among all the revelations, one was quite shocking to know which Abhishek laughed off. He revealed that he was once slapped by someone outside a movie theatre in Mumbai after the screening of his then released film Shararat. It so happened that his film Shararat had released. So he went to Gaiety Galaxy Theatres to gauge the audience’s reaction to the film and to his shock, a lady came up to him and slapped him.

At the summit, when he was asked

to confirm about the same he said, Yes, it is true… Disgruntled customer I guess (laughs). It was a tough time.

This is not the first time Abhishek Bachchan had talked about it. In fact, back in 2011-2012, he himself had narrated this shocking incident in an episode of Yeh Hai Meri Kahaani, which aired on UTV Stars.

Here’s what he had narrated, One moment I’ll never forget ki meri ek film release hui thi Shararat aur main Gaiety Galaxy gaya uske reactions dekhne ke liye. Ek lady thi woh picture dekh ke baahar nikli interval mein aur unhonein baahar aake, main concessions stand ka paas khada hua tha, aur unhonein mujhe baahar aake thappad maar diya, aur kaha ki, “You’re embarrassing your family’s name, stop acting” (One moment I’ll never forget. My film ‘Shararat’ was released and I went to Gaiety Galaxy to check the audience reactions. There was a lady who came out after watching the film in interval and she saw that I was standing near concession stand. She came and slapped me. After that, she said that ‘you’re embarrassing your family’s name, stop acting’.)

Kudos to Abhishek Bachchan for taking it in his stride and talk about such a shocking incident so freely.

LEGAL

VOICE OF ASIA 15

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER

Family Law and Personal Injury CHILD CUSTODY AND GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS

Mala Sharma

I

n Texas, divorce decrees or suits involving parent-child relationships specify any geographic restriction on whether one parent may move with their child (ren) out of the city, state, or other location as prescribed in the final order.

Thus, if a parent wishes to relocate with his/her children to another city or state, no matter what the reason is such as work or marriage, his/her ability to do so is based upon the final order for child custody or parenting plan.

There are different types of “child custody” or “conservatorship” under Texas law naming each parent with certain rights and duties for the children, including joint managing conservatorship, sole possessory conservatorship, and sole managing conservatorship. First, joint managing conservatorship, the most popular, is where both parents share all rights and duties for the children’s welfare and growth, with one parent named primary possessor with the exclusive right to designate the children’s residence. Second, sole possessory conservatorship is where one parent has little to no other authority for the children’s welfare, except when he/she has possession and caring for the children. Last, sole managing conservatorship is where one parent has complete authority to make all decisions regarding children’s education, healthcare, etc.

The factor and controlling test to determine “child custody”, on whether one parent will have more rights over the children or shared authority, is what is in “the best interest of the child”.

Factors considered in this analysis include but are not limited to: (1) which parent has the ability to provide the

environment that best suits the children’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs, (2) which parent makes the children’s welfare his/her highest priority, (3) the quality of the parent-child relationship and which parent provides the most guidance and support for the children’s education, extracurricular activities, and future goals, (4)the distance children are from school, distance from family including other parent, grandparents, and caretakers, and (5) if a child is over the age of 12, his/her preference will be heard by the Judge and taken into consideration.

Thus, a parent may not simply relocate to another county or state with their children if there is a court order or parenting agreement restricting the children’s physical location to a specific geographic area in Texas. Even if there is no geographic restriction in a prior order or agreement, one parent still cannot move with the children on a whim without the other parent’s approval and consideration. A parent wishing to move and who can show the move is in the best interest of the children, must file a motion to modify the original order. Courts will only modify custody and visitation orders if the change is in the “best interests of the child” and that it would best suit the children’s physical and mental needs. Generally child custody modifications will only be considered if there is a “substantial and material change in circumstances” such as mistreatment of the child, criminal convictions, remarriage of one spouse, or move. However, a parent against the relocation of his/her children has all the rights to file a motion against the other parent from moving outside of the geographic restriction along with a temporary restraining order to stop the relocation until a Court will hear the motion and rule what is in the children’s best interest.

If you are requesting a modification or enforcement of a child custody arrangement, consult an experienced attorney first. Modifications are very difficult to go through,

involve many steps and procedures, and must be proven.

A qualified attorney will help you through the process and suggest your best options.

About the Author: Mala Sharma has been practicing family law and personal injury with her family at the Law Offices of Sharma & Associates, founded in 1997. Mala has been appointed leadership roles for the American Bar Association GP Solo and GP Solo YLD division, is Board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Past President of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, and prior board member of the South Asian Bar Association. She is also a member of the Houston Bar Association.

This material is available for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. If you require advice or assistance, you may contact her at office number 281-893-8644 or by email at mala@sharmalaws.net to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

About Mala Sharma Mala Sharma has been practicing family law and personal injury with her family at the Law Offices of Sharma & Associates, founded in 1997.

Mala is President Emeritus of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, Board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and South Asian Bar Association. She is also a member of the Houston Bar Association.

Disclaimer: This material is available for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. If you require advice on any particular legal question, you may contact Sharma & Associates at 281-893-8644 or by email at mala@sharmalaws. net to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Tel: 713-774-5140

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

Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Q: My daughter just turned 18 years of age. She has been a permanent resident for the last 6 years. I am also a permanent resident.

What is the age requirement to file for citizenship herself?

A: An applicant must be at least 18 years of age or older to file for citizenship.

Q: What are the ways children can become US citizens?

A: It can happen in several ways: First, children born in the US are US Citizens unless they are the sons and daughters of foreign diplomats. Second, children born outside the US, where one or both parents are US Citizens may acquire US Citizenship at birth provided that the US Citizen parent(s) has satisfied the requirements relating to residence and or physical presence in the US for certain time periods prior to the birth of the child. These requirements are established by law in effect at the time of the child’s birth. For children born on or after November 14th, 1986, the US Citizen parent must have lived in the US or an outlying possession for at least five years, of which two of those years had to be after the age of 14, prior to the birth of the child.

For children born before November 14th, 1986, there are more complex transmission requirements. Third, the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 provides that children under the age of 18 who were born outside the US may acquire citizenship automatically by derivation if they reside in the US as lawful permanent residents in the legal and physical custody of a parent who is a citizen by birth or through naturalization. As such, upon the naturalization of a

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN parent, these children including adopted children acquire their citizenship without needing a separate application and may apply directly for a US Passport. They may also choose to have proof of their citizenship status by filing Form N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship. Fourth, those children of US Citizens who did not acquire their citizenship at birth abroad or derive it through the naturalization of their parents may obtain a certificate of citizenship upon application of the US Citizen parent if one parent is a US Citizen, the child is temporarily physically present in the US and was lawfully admitted in any status and is in status, under the age of 18 and has resided in the physical and legal custody of the US Citizen parent who has himself lived in the US for at least 5 years, two of which were after his or her 14th birthday.

Q: Are children born in Puerto Rico US Citizens?

Under 8 U.S.C. 1402, all persons born in Puerto Rico on or after April 11, 1899, and prior to January 13, 1941, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, residing on January 13, 1941, in Puerto Rico or other territory over which the United States exercises rights of sovereignty and not citizens of the United States under any other Act, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States as of January 13, 1941. Therefore, all persons born in Puerto Rico on or after January 13, 1941, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are citizens of the United States at birth.

Q: My wife and I will become naturalized US Citizens next month.

Our children who are still permanent residents

are 7 years of age and 11 years of age. What is their immigration status after our naturalization?

A: Since they are under 18 years of age at the time of your naturalization, they will automatically become US Citizens. They will become eligible to apply for a US passport upon your naturalization. I also suggest that you apply for their Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600.

Q: My husband and I were born in the United States and we plan to adopt a baby from abroad. What will be the child’s immigration status when she enters the United States?

A: Your child will automatically acquire US Citizenship upon her admission to the United States.

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 713623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Young Life

Pope acknowledges young people ‘put off’ by church scandals

T

ALLINN, Estonia Pope Francis addressed the sex abuse scandals impacting the Catholic Church and the effect they have had on young people during a speech in Estonia Tuesday.

Francis acknowledged that some young people have been put off religion because they are “upset by sexual and economic scandals that do not meet with clear condemnation.”

“We ourselves need to be converted; we have to realize that in order to stand by your side we need to change many situations that, in the end, put you off,” Francis said.

Pope Francis greets people as he arrives for a Holy Mass at the Freedom square in Tallinn, Estonia, Sept. 25, 2018. Pope Francis arrived in Estonia for a one-day visit Tuesday.more + “We know –- and you have told us –- that many young people do not turn to us for anything because they don’t feel we have anything meaningful to say to them,” the pope said.

“In fact, some of them expressly ask us to leave them alone, because they feel the Church’s presence as bothersome or even irritating.”

“These are just a few of your complaints. We want to respond to them. As you yourselves put it, we want to be a ‘transparent, welcoming, honest, inviting, communicative, accessible, joyful and interactive community,’” Francis continued.

The pope made the remarks on the final day of his four-day visit to the Baltic States. He spoke before an audience of young people from a number of Christian religions in a 19th century Lutheran Church in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Earlier this month, the pope met with a small delegation of American Catholic Church leaders amid the sexual abuse crisis that’s dominated the

The 10 highest-paying college majors

by Abigail Hess

G

oing to college is a serious investment.

Over 44 million Americans collectively hold nearly $1.5 trillion in student debt because they know that earning a college degree is crucial to get ahead in the modern economy.

But some college majors pay off more than others. According to the Georgetown Center for Education and the Workforce, early childhood education majors report median earnings of $36,000 a year while petroleum engineering majors see median earnings closer to $120,000.

Pope Francis greets people as he arrives for a Holy Mass at the Freedom square in Tallinn, Estonia, Sept. 25, 2018. Pope Francis arrived in Estonia for a one-day visit Tuesday. (Photo: Mindaugas Kulbis/AP) conversation about the U.S. church.

around the world, to talk about young people and the church.

The meeting had been requested by Cardinal Daniel Di Nardo following the damaging release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report in July that stated that since 1947, hundreds of priests in the state sexually abused more than 1,000 children and the news that a nowdemoted cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, rose through the ranks within the church, despite officials in the Vatican and in the U.S. knowing about sexual allegations against him dating back to 2000.

In preparation for the synod, the church asked young people between the ages of 16 and 29 from around the world to share their views about the church.

Their completed questionnaires were used to prepare the meeting’s working document, the church said. One of the working document’s findings is that young people see a large disconnect between what the church says and what the church does. The synod will be held from Oct. 3 to Oct. 28.

McCarrick was removed as a cardinal by Pope Francis in July after a church investigation found recent allegations believable. But, the case has continued to fuel criticism directed at the pope after a statement written by a high-ranking Italian Vatican official called for the Pope’s resignation over the mishandling of the McCarrick case.

Next month, the Vatican is hosting a synod, a gathering of several hundred bishops from

On Tuesday evening, the pope concluded his trip to the Baltics with a large, open-air mass in Freedom Square in Tallinn. This trip included visits to Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, which are celebrating their original, hundred-year anniversaries of independence from Russia following World War I in 1918. During World War II, they were occupied by the Nazis and then lived under Soviet rule for almost 50 years until 1990; hard times when people were persecuted for their faith.

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Overall, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors consistently have some of the highest rates of employment and the highest incomes.

Salary comparison site PayScale recently surveyed 2.3 million graduates from over 2,700 colleges across the U.S. What they found is that students who studied specific majors had the highest median earnings within the first five years of their careers and 10 years into their careers. Computer science, surprisingly, did not make the cut.

Here are the 10 highest-paying college majors right now: 10. Electrical power engineering Early career salary: $68,600 Mid-career salary: $119,100 9. Cognitive science Early career salary: $54,000 Mid-career salary: $121,900 8. Geophysics Early career salary: $54,100

Nine of the top 25 majors are related to engineering. Other areas that round out the top of the list are health-related majors and business and economics fields.

Mid-career salary: $122,200 7. Economics and mathematics Early career salary: $60,000 Mid-career salary: $122,900 6. Marine engineering Early career salary: $73,900 Mid-career salary: $123,200 5. Chemical engineering Early career salary: $70,300 Mid-career salary: $124,500 4. Nuclear engineering Early career salary: $69,000 Mid-career salary: $127,500 3. Actuarial science Early career salary: $61,200 Mid-career salary: $130,800 2. Actuarial mathematics Early career salary: $56,400

Mid-career salary: $131,700 1. Petroleum engineering Early career salary: $94,600 Mid-career salary: $175,500 Petroleum engineering majors reported the highest midcareer salaries through their careers. According to PayScale, workers with this degree make around $175,000 a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent job growth rate for petroleum engineers, more than double the average growth rate for all jobs.

Several other engineering majors cracked the top 10, including nuclear engineering, chemical engineering and marine engineering. Mathematicsfocused majors like actuarial studies and economics also ranked highly.

“Students and parents want to make informed decisions about future career and income opportunities associated with their college education investment,” PayScale Vice President Lydia Frank says in a statement shared wtih CNBC Make It.

- ABC News

Corporations of the world! Young scientists need you The biggest science fair around must find a new sponsor or face a doubtful future.

by Scott Duke Kominers

W

hen you were in in high school, were you hanging out at the mall or developing new medical diagnostics?

Some students are doing the latter, and thanks to a pair of new documentaries out this year, we can travel with them to what’s widely seen as the Olympics of research competitions, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

The fair gives these students opportunities to earn acclaim, advance their work, and make friends. But it’s at risk — without a new source of funding, the ISEF could cease to exist.

I’ve written before about the extraordinary students who participate in today’s top science fairs. They do groundbreaking, graduate-level research — studying adolescent mental health, for example, or inventing low-cost water filters and new aircraft.

Their final products are outstanding. But equally amazing are the roads they take to get there.

Sundance audience favorite “Science Fair,” released earlier this month by National Geographic Documentary Films, gives us a window into the process. Some of the competitors overcome enormous obstacles: one team from an impoverished area in Brazil, for example, made it to ISEF for its work on combating the Zika virus. Likewise, “Inventing Tomorrow,” which premiered last month, tracks students whose science is inspired by environmental threats in their home countries.

Being a teenage genius brings with it certain ironies, too: “Science Fair” follows a student who does poorly in math class because he is so busy doing math research.

For all these students, science

The Tutoring Center, Sugarland 16754 SW Freeway, Suite C (Next to Exxon) Sugar Land, TX 77479 is a passion. Competitions like the ISEF give them something to aspire to — and can also be life-changing. In part, of course, that’s because of the recognition and award money on the table. For many — especially those from lower-income areas (or countries) — ISEF can be exactly the boost needed on the way to a better college or university.

Moreover, for many highschool science whizzes, ISEF is the first opportunity to be surrounded by students who share their love of research.

And the adults at the fair — scientific experts who serve as judges and ambassadors — can provide crucial advice and connections that help the students down the line. The whole event is an intercultural exchange, as well, drawing students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories.

And ISEF doesn’t just touch the lives of the students who compete there. The presence of fairs like ISEF drives a broader program of student research across the world. (This too figures prominently into “Science Fair”: one of the film’s heroines is Serena McCalla, a teacher in Jericho, New York, who has built a top science fair team filled with immigrants.)

I know the value of science fairs firsthand, since they helped put me on the path to the career I have today. I was lucky enough to attend a high school with teachers who encouraged research, as well as the Center for Excellence in Education’s Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I then competed at ISEF, and the people I met there have been a part of my life ever since.

That’s why I judge at ISEF every year I can, and why I recently joined the National Leadership Council of Society for Science & the Public, the nonprofit that runs the fair. And more broadly, it’s why I want scientific research — and the opportunities that come with it — to become ever more accessible to students worldwide.

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Friendswood, TX 77546

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Adventure

But we’re at risk of taking a step backwards. In early 2017, Intel said that it plans to drop its support of ISEF after the 2019 fair. Without new sponsorship, ISEF and the spillovers it creates could dwindle or vanish.

So American corporations (and international ones, too), please step up. The scientists of tomorrow need you. Go watch “Science Fair” and “Inventing Tomorrow,” and you’ll see what I mean.

The Tutoring Center, Friendswood

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VOICE OF VOICE OFASIA ASIA17 17

FRIDAY, September 28, 28, 2018 2018 FRIDAY, September

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Section 2

Harris County confirms first West Nile Virus associated death

H

OUSTON - Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has confirmed a West Nile virus (WNV) related death in Harris County, making it the first WNV-associated death in the county and in the state of Texas for 2018. The patient, whose identity will remain confidential, had underlying chronic health conditions, and is a 45-54 year-old male from Southwest Harris County.

“We are devastated to report the first West Nile virus-associated death, and our hearts go out to the family.

Mosquitoes can spread a variety of diseases and those who are most vulnerable; children, aging and immunosuppressed individuals, are at a higher risk of dying of mosquito-borne diseases,” stated Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, executive director of HCPH. “We conduct mosquito surveillance year-round and actively work on protecting our residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, but we simply cannot do it alone. Continuously, we ask our residents to partner with us by reducing mosquito-breeding sites and protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes.”

West Nile season typically runs from June through October. As of today, 303 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus. The areas where those samples have been detected have been sprayed to reduce the risk of disease. So far this year, a total of six human cases of WNV have been confirmed (including this WNV associated death) in Harris County and the City of Houston.

Most people who are infected with West Nile will not develop any symptoms. However, about 1-in-5 people who are infected develop a fever with

Tel: 713-774-5140

Understanding the 2019 Medicare Part D Coverage Gap or Donut Hole The Donut Hole or Coverage Gap is a term used to describe a gap or pause in your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan coverage where, prior to 2011, you were 100% responsible for the cost of your prescription drugs - unless your Medicare plan provided some brand-name or generic drug coverage through the Donut Hole.

Mosquito surveillance year-round and actively work on protecting our residents fom diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is paramount to HCPH. other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. More severe signs and symptoms can include: high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk. About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die. If you have symptoms similar to West Nile virus, please contact your health provider immediately.

HCPH reminds the community to

continue to enjoy the outdoors but remember to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, Paramenthanediol, 2-undecanone. Always follow the product label instructions.

• If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.

• Remove/empty containers that can hold water such as tires, flowerpots and toys.

• Change water in birdbaths and pet water bowls every 3 to 5 days.

• Keep rain gutters free of debris.

• Make sure screens are in good condition.

- HCPH

Rapid rise in US health care data hacks: study

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ASHINGTON | AFP There has been an explosion of health care data breaches in the United States in recent years, a study out Tuesday says.

However, starting in 2011, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and the pharmaceutical drug manufacturers began to share a portion of your medication expenses while you are in the Donut Hole (giving you what we now call the Donut Hole discount). So if you reach the Donut Hole, you are no longer responsible for paying 100% of the retail drug price, and instead, you pay a discounted price.

The Donut Hole is actually the third part or phase of your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and you only reach this phase when your drug spending exceeds a certain point.

Will you enter the 2019 Donut Hole?

If your formulary medications have a total retail value of over $3,820 or you have retail drug costs of over $319 per month, you will enter the 2019 Donut Hole and receive a discount on your Medicare Part D prescriptions not what you spend, but the actual retail value of the medications you use.

(If you are receiving Medicare Part D Extra Help, you never have a Donut Hole in your coverage.)

What happens if you enter the Donut Hole?

Between 2010 and last year 176 million health records were breached, according to the medical journal JAMA. The research is based on reports that health care providers and insurance companies sent to US health authorities.

If you enter the Donut Hole, you will receive a discount on all generic and brand-name formulary drugs that you purchase. And here are the discounts:

The number of hacked files jumped in 2015, increasing cumulatively from 3.3 million in 2014 to 115 million the following year and peaking at 132 million in 2017 (cumulative since 2010), according to the study.

• The 2019 Donut Hole generic drug discount will increase from 56% (2018) to 63%.

Other types of breaches include the loss or theft of paper or film documents, and laptop files.

Network servers and emails are the principal weak links.

While health care providers represent the largest number of breaches, the vast majority of the breached records are from health care insurers, where most of the data is concentrated.

More than half of all Americans have private health insurance, while some people -- especially those over the age of 65 -- can qualify for government health care assistance.

“Although networked digital health

records have the potential to improve clinical care and facilitate learning health systems,” the authors wrote,

“they also have the potential for harm to vast numbers of patients at once if data security is not improved.”

India launches ‘Modicare’, world’s biggest health scheme

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rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the world’s biggest health insurance scheme, promising free coverage

for half a billion of India’s poorest citizens ahead of national elections next year.

The bottom 40 percent of India’s 1.25 billion people will be covered under the flagship program, dubbed “Modicare”, unveiled in the federal budget earlier this year.

The 100 million lowestincome families will be provided 500,000 rupees ($6,900) -- a sizeable sum in India -- in annual health insurance

And this means: You will save more money on generic medications in the 2019 Coverage Gap. As an example, if you reach the 2019 Donut Hole phase of your Medicare Part D plan, and your generic medication has a re-

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 tail cost of $100, you will pay $37. In this example, the $37 that you spend will count toward your out-of-pocket spending limit or TrOOP.

• The 2019 Donut Hole discount for brand-name drugs will increase to 75% and you will receive credit for 95% of the retail drug cost toward meeting your 2019 total outof-pocket maximum (TrOOP) or Donut Hole exit point (the 25% you spend plus the 50% drug manufacturer discount).

And this means: You will have additional savings on brand-name drugs in the 2019 Coverage Gap. For example, if you reach the 2019 Donut Hole and purchase a brand-name medication with a retail cost of $100, you will pay $25 for the medication, and receive $95 credit toward meeting your 2019 out-of-pocket spending limit – or Donut Hole exit point. The 2019 TrOOP limit or Donut Hole exit point is $5,100.

A quick review of how the Donut Hole fits into your Medicare Part D coverage

As a reminder, your Medicare Part D plan coverage has four separate parts or phases. However, if your Medicare Part D plan has a $0 initial deductible, you will skip the first or deductible phase and begin coverage directly in the Initial Coverage Phase.

To choose right Medicare Prescription Drug plan or Medicare advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement plan for you contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713771-2900.

Voice of Asia brings you the latest

in medicine, medical technology, nutrition, pharmacy, and other health related articles.

healthlinemag.com

to treat serious ailments.

Modi handed medical cards out at the launch in Ranchi, capital of the eastern state of Jharkhand, calling it a historic day for India.

“We want to strengthen the hands of the poor and stand shoulder to shoulder with them in pursuit of good health,” he posted on Twitter.

The scheme is expected to cost the central and 29 state governments $1.6 billion per year in total. Funding will be increased gradually according to demand.

India’s overburdened public health system is plagued by a shortage of facilities and doctors and most people use private clinics and hospitals if they can afford to.

But a private consultation can cost 1,000 rupees ($15), a huge sum for millions living on less than $2 a day.

More than 60 percent of the average family’s spending goes on medicines and healthcare, the government estimates.

Many of the poorest just go without care.

HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 18

Flaxseeds: A nutrientPacked Super-Food? Part II all sorts of healthy components, it owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them:

Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Rice University, Houston, Texas

by Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee

T

he science has never been clearer: flaxseed deserves to be top of the list of the world’s most powerful medicinal foods.

For just pennies a day it may protect against dozens of lifethreatening health conditions.

Flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the health benefits of flaxseed that he passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it. Now, thirteen centuries later, some experts say we have preliminary research to back up what Charlemagne suspected.

Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. That’s quite a tall order for a tiny seed that’s been around for centuries.

Flaxseed is found in all kinds of foods today, from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal.

The Flax Council estimates close to 300 new flax-based products were launched in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 alone and that has increased over time. Not only has consumer demand for flaxseed grown, but agricultural use has also increased. Flaxseed is what’s used to feed all those chickens that are laying eggs with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Although flaxseed contains

• Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.

The Health Benefits of Flax Protecting against radiation Studies have found that the lignans in flaxseed may help protect against radiation. Scientists gave dietary lignans in flaxseed to mice with lung problems caused by radiation.

The mice that consumed the compounds derived from flaxseed had less inflammation, injury, and fibrosis, and a better survival rate that those that did not.

The researchers suggested that in the future, lignans from flaxseed may be useful for treating lung problems associated with radiation due to accidental exposure or radiation therapy.

Other Benefits Flaxseeds are a great source of plant-based protein, and there’s growing interest in flaxseed protein and its health benefits. Flaxseed protein is rich in the amino acids arginine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.

Flaxseeds are a good source of plant-based protein and can be an alternative protein source for people who do not eat meat.

Flaxseeds keep hunger at bay, which may aid weight

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control. The feelings of reduced hunger were likely due to the soluble fiber content of flaxseeds. It slows digestion in the stomach, which triggers a host of hormones that control appetite and provide a feeling of fullness.

Risks of taking flaxseeds The nutrients in flaxseed may not benefit everyone.

Too much flaxseed can lead to: Flatulence and bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. In people with a bowel obstruction, flaxseed could cause or worsen these symptoms. Raw and unripe flaxseeds are not suitable for consumption, as they may be toxic. Flaxseed should always be consumed with plenty of fluid.

During pregnancy, women are advised not to consume it, because the phytoestrogens it contains could have an adverse effect. It may not be suitable while breastfeeding. There is also a chance that the phytoestrogens in flaxseed may interfere with the action of birth control pills or hormone therapy. The USDA notes that up to 12 % flaxseed is safe to use in food.

Drug Interactions It is not yet clear whether

Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding, if used with blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin). Omega-3 supplements or flaxseed products and blood thinners should be used only after discussing with a health professional.

As with any herb or supplement, care must be taken when consuming large amounts.

Flaxseed in its natural form is preferable to taking flaxseed as a supplement. Supplements are not monitored. Anyone who is considering taking it as an alternative or complementary therapy should first speak to their doctor.

Flaxseed Isn’t a Magic Bullet It’s tempting to think of flaxseed as a super food because of its many potential health benefits. But keep in mind there is no magic food or nutrient that guarantees improved health.

What matters is consistently making great dietary choices as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Please consult your Doctor before you start on Flaxseeds.

On the bright side, doctors who make mistakes consistently make the same mistakes. In theory, that “coherence” makes it possible to correct the pattern, if training was upgraded and harmonized.

India’s overburdened public health system suffers from a lack of doctors and hospitals.

Medical treatment is largely free in government-funded hospitals but long queues and poor service force many to seek private care.

An elderly Kashmiri tuberculosis patient receives treatment at a hospital in Srinagar, India, on Tuesday.

India has the highest incidence of TB in the world, with as many as 2.4 million cases. (Photo: AP)

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Tuberculosis or TB, an airborne infection, remains a major public health issue in India, China and Indonesia, among other countries.

It killed 1.7 million people in 2017, according to the World Health Organization, and a global health summit will be held at the United Nations on Wednesday to raise funds to eradicate the disease.

But the primary care physicians who see patients when they start coughing are the weak link in the fight against the pandemic -- at least in the two cities where the study took place, the metropolis of Mumbai and eastern Patna.

The experiment was financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and led by a team of researchers from McGill University, the World Bank and Johns Hopkins University. The

results were published in PLOS Medicine.

medicine, collectively known as “ayush.”

It took place across 10 months between 2014 and 2015. Twentyfour “simulated patients” went to 1,288 private sector doctors, presenting symptoms ranging from a simple cough to a cough presented as a possible relapse.

Jishnu Das, a World Bank economist, explained that the problem wasn’t so much that doctors were following one alternate treatment course as much as just doing “everything you can find.”

- ‘Doing too little’ In 65 percent of interactions, medical practitioners -- which includes both qualified doctors, unqualified ones and those who practice traditional medicine -responded in a manner inconsistent with Indian and international standards of care.

In some cases where a doctor suspected a problem linked to air pollution, they prescribed an antibiotic or syrup and asked the patient to return a few weeks later.

Doctors with formal medical training, particular in Mumbai, did slightly better, offering the correct course of treatment in roughly half of the cases, according to the results.

Doctors without formal training, who are very common in rural zones, are doing worse, as are those who provide traditional medicine including ayurveda, unani, and Siddha

“The spinal cord can relearn to walk independently,” Susan

flaxseed does help control diabetes. Anyone who is taking medication for diabetes should check with their doctor before introducing flax seed in your diet, in case an interaction occurs.

In the near future, according to McGill professor Madhukar Pai, it’s vital to refer patients to the right doctors and provide them with subsidized public programs for the most effective anti-TB drugs -- instead of sending them home with the wrong pills.

ASHINGTON | AFP | Tuesday 9/25/2018 - Many private sector doctors in India miss the signs of tuberculosis and therefore provide patients inadequate treatment, according to a new study published Tuesday involving people hired to act out the symptoms.

The researchers said the physiological mechanisms at work were not fully understood. But they suggested this could be linked to the fact that despite being completely paralyzed, the two patients who were able to walk had retained some sensation below the level of their injury.

File photo

Many doctors in India miss TB signs: study

by Ivan Couronne

Four paralyzed people in US walk, stand or sit with new treatment ASHINGTON | AFP | Tuesday 9/25/2018 - Two patients in an experimental US rehabilitation program for paralyzed people have been able to walk again thanks to electrical stimulation of their spinal cords, and two others have been able to stand or sit, according to newly published results.

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart -healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.

• Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxident qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

“Some guy is giving antibiotics and fluoroquinolone, somebody else is giving steroids and fluoroquinolone, somebody else is giving cough syrup and antibiotics,” Das said, explaining that such haphazard methods can harm patients, not to mention boost antibiotic resistance.

By 2040, 12.4 percent of TB cases in India will be multidrug-resistant strains, said one study published in 2017 in the medical journal The Lancet, especially as medications like antibiotics are easy to buy without a prescription there.

The most common mistake, according to Tuesday’s study, is that doctors simply do not order the tests necessary to make a diagnosis, such as testing lung fluid or a chest x-ray.

“Doctors are actually doing too little,” said Das. “They are not just picking up that the guy might have TB.”

The private sector provides almost 80 percent of outpatient care, and is the first point of contact for tuberculosis for 50 to 70 percent of patients.

File photo The results were published Monday in the New England Journal of Medicine, at the same time that the journal Nature Medicine reported on another paraplegic treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota who succeeded in walking again also thanks to an electrode implanted in his spinal cord.

The Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center at the University of Louisville had previously reported in 2014 that some paralyzed patients had regained feeling thanks to electrical stimulation.

This time, the center announced that after months of retraining two participants in its experimental program were able to walk with the support of a walker or a cane, stimulated with an electrode in the spinal column linked to an implant in the abdomen.

Two other participants were able to stand up or sit down.

“All four participants could not do these actions in trials when the stimulator was off,” the study’s authors said.

Harkema, the center’s leader told NBC News.

“We can retrain it to function even though there is that injury disconnecting it from the brain,” she said.

Kelly Thomas, one of the two patients who learned to walk, said her first steps were “an emotional milestone in my recovery that I’ll never forget.”

“One minute I was walking with the trainer’s assistance and, while they stopped, I continued walking on my own,” she said.

She now lives at home, where she is able to move from room to room or go outside with the help of a walker.

To do so, she must activate the electric stimulator using a small remote.

Each step she takes still requires a monumental effort.

“It’s not a quick fix to being paralyzed,” she told CNN. But she added: “Nothing’s going to be able to stop me in life, because I took something that was thought to be impossible and I turned it into possible.”

WHAT IS TB?

TB is an infectious airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Typically, it affects the lungs but it can also affect other parts of the body like the gut and spine. Symptoms include coughing (sometimes with blood), high fever, fatigue, weakness, weight loss and infertility in women.

It is spread by people with the infection coughing, sneezing, breathing or speaking, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas like hospitals, prisons and slums. Around 40% of people in India, a higher proportion than elsewhere in the world, carry the bacteria. This is known as having latent TB, and only one in ten will go on to develop the disease. People with HIV are much more vulnerable to TB: there are 86,000 people in India who have both HIV and TB. India’s high rate of diabetes also exacerbates the problem as diabetics are also more prone to TB. Breathing in pollution, and heavy smoking or alcohol habits also increase the risk of the disease.

There are currently no vaccines to prevent TB in adults, though there are 12 currently in clinical trials. The bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is administered to children in India, but only prevents severe forms of TB. It is less effective against respiratory TB, the most common form of TB in adults.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

VOICE OF ASIA 19

Indian court offers final vindication for innocent space scientist who was arrested and tortured

by Sanjay Kumar

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ankaralingam Nambi Narayanan, the former top Indian space scientist who was arrested and tortured in 1994 after allegations he sold space program secrets to Pakistan, has finally had his name cleared and his treatment condemned by the highest court in India.

by the state police and Intelligence bureau officials, as were the others.

CBI’s report also concluded that the charges were false. All of the accused, who had challenged the case as completely fabricated, were declared innocent by a local court in 1996.

In 2001, India’s National Human Rights Commission ordered an inter-

From ticketing to salaries, football explores power of blockchain

by Mathieu Gorse

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ADRID, Spain | AFP Football clubs are starting to tap the potential of blockchain technology as an innovative way to deal with longstanding issues such as ticket scalping, fan engagement and the payment of players’ salaries.

Considered by many as revolutionary as the internet, a blockchain is a database that is shared across a network of hundreds of computers. Once a record has been added to the chain it is very difficult to tamper with. And to ensure all copies of the database are the same, the network makes constant checks.

Blockchains have been used most prominently as the tool behind cryptocurrency Bitcoin, but many other possible uses from medical records to banking -- and now sports -- are emerging.

Sankaralingam Nambi Narayanan’s scientific career was destroyed by spying allegations. (Photo: Lebison Gopi) On 14 September, the Supreme Court of India announced its conclusion that the original case against Narayanan was concocted and awarded him 5 million rupees (roughly $70,000) in compensation. The entire prosecution initiated by the Kerala state police was malicious and caused tremendous harassment and immeasurable anguish to Narayanan, the court said. It also ordered the creation of a committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge to take action against the police officials whose actions led to the spying imbroglio.

Narayanan and others accused in the episode were declared innocent by a local court in 1996, but a spate of litigation on the matter followed over the next 2 decades. Narayanan says his life was never the same. “The lives of all the accused got shattered and we all suffered silently,” he says.

Narayanan considers the new court ruling a final vindication. “Although this judgment has come so late in the day, I am really very happy and thankful for it. Whatever I was saying was certified and acknowledged by the Supreme Court that, yes, I am innocent!”

Narayanan says. “I had to borrow money to fight the cases [but] I did not want to die being called a spy and wanted to prove my innocence beyond doubt.”

In addition to Narayanan, another top Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist, D. Sasikumaran, and four other people—including two Maldivian women who allegedly bought the space program secrets— were arrested in November 1994 under the Official Secrets Act on charges of spying for Pakistan. Narayanan remained in custody for nearly 50 days and, according to a 1996 inquiry by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was repeatedly tortured

im relief of 1 million rupees to Narayanan. “But I got it only after 11 years, in 2012, after moving the high court twice,” Narayanan tells Science.

The case shook India’s space agency to the core. “The whole of ISRO got demoralized,” says Narayanan, who was a pioneer of liquid propulsion technology and a key part of India’s major effort to send heavy rockets into space.

In the 1990s, India was negotiating with the Soviet Union and the United States for access to critical cryogenics technology, which uses low temperatures to store fuel in a liquid state; India agreed to buy technology from the Soviet Union. But with the breakup of Soviet Union, the United States pressured Russians to renege on the agreement with India, and Boris Yeltsin capitulated. India lost its access to the needed cryogenics.

Narayanan strongly suspects an international conspiracy—in which rogue elements in Indian intelligence agencies played along—drove the spying case against him and the others, which derailed ISRO’s space plans. “India’s cryogenics program definitely got delayed by about 15 years,” he says.

Why would the United States or anyone want to block India’s space program at that time? India had hoped to offer to launch satellites at a fraction of price that NASA or Europeans charged—a market now estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. India is now an important player in that market, but it still trails in being able to launch heavy satellites because it has only in recent years mastered cryogenic fuel technology for its rocket engines.

- Science.com

Skepticism surrounds renowned mathematician’s attempted proof of 160-year-old hypothesis

by Frankie Schembri

A

famous mathematician has claimed he has solved the Riemann hypothesis, a problem relating to the distribution of prime numbers that has stood unsolved for nearly 160 years. In a 45-minute talk on 24 September at the Heidelberg Laureate Forum in Germany, Michael Atiyah, a mathematician emeritus at The University of Edinburgh, presented what he describes as a “simple proof” that relies on a tool from a seemingly unrelated problem in physics. But many experts doubt its validity, especially because Atiyah, 89, has been making mistakes in recent years.

“What he showed in the presentation is very unlikely to be anything like a proof of the Riemann hypothesis as we know it,” says Jørgen Veisdal, an economist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim who has previously studied the Riemann hypothesis. “It is simply too vague and unspecific.” Veisdal added that he would need to examine the written proof more closely to make a definitive judgement.

The Riemann hypothesis, one of the last great unsolved problems in math, was first proposed in 1859 by German mathematician Bernhard Riemann. It is a supposition about prime numbers, such as two, three, five, seven, and 11, which can only be divided by one or themselves. They become less frequent, separated by ever-more-distant gaps on the number line. Riemann found that the key to understanding their distribution lay within another

set of numbers, the zeroes of a function called the Riemann zeta function that has both real and imaginary inputs. And he invented a formula for calculating how many primes there are, up to a cutoff, and at what intervals these primes occur, based on the zeroes of the zeta function.

However, Riemann’s formula only holds if one assumes that the real parts of these zeta function zeroes are all equal to one-half. Reimann proved this property for the first few primes, and over the past century it has been computationally shown to work for many large numbers of primes, but it remains to be formally and indisputably proved out to infinity. A proof would not only win the $1 million reward that comes for solving one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems established by the Clay Mathematics Institute in 2000, but it could also have applications in predicting prime numbers, important in cryptography.

A giant in his field, Atiyah has made major contributions to geometry, topology, and theoretical physics.

He has received both of math’s top awards, the Fields Medal in 1966 and the Abel Prize in 2004. But despite a long and prolific career, the Riemann claim follows on the heels of more recent, failed proofs.

In 2017, Atiyah told The Times of London that he had converted the 255-page Feit-Thompson theorem, an abstract theory dealing with groups of numbers first proved in 1963, into a vastly simplified 12-page proof.

He sent his proof to 15 experts in the field and was met with skepticism

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

“Blockchain has the power to be the underlying infrastructure upon which sport functions,” Michael Broughton of Sports Investment Partners told AFP as the two-day World Football Summit got underway in Madrid.

“Much as mobile phones and apps are today a broader expression of the underlying internet so sport can build upon blockchain.”

After French champions Paris SaintGermain announced earlier this month that they were launching their own cryptocurrency in partnership with Socios.com, a blockchain company based in Malta, Italian giants Juventus announced Monday they would do the same.

Fans of the two clubs will be able to buy club-branded tokens that come with voting rights as well as access to exclusive content and rewards.

- ‘Limitles potential’ English side Arsenal announced in January they had reached an agreement with California-based Cashbet to launch their own cryptocurrency which would be used to bet on matches.

The technology could also have significant implications for ticket sales.

European football governing body UEFA used blockchain technology to sell all of the tickets for the Super Cup final in Tallinn in August between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid over mobile phones, preventing the duplication of tickets.

In a sign of the growing interest of the football world in blockchain, Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel Messi in December became a brand ambassador for Israeli start-up Sirin Labs which has developed an ultra-secure mobile phone that uses the technology.

Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen earlier this year invested in Hong Kong-based Global Crypto Offering Exchange (GCOX), a global platform that allows celebrities to create and list their own “tokens”.

“I believe blockchain technology holds the future. It has limitless potential that we have yet to fully explore,” Owen said at the time.

- ‘Bring transparency’ The technology is even starting -albeit on a very small scale -- to be used to pay players, which some believe could help stamp out corruption in football.

Gibraltar United announced in July

that it would become the world’s first football club to pay its players in cryptocurrency while tiny Turkish club Harunustaspor made global headlines at the start of the year by announcing it had carried out the world’s first football transfer of a player in bitcoins.

“It could bring transparency to world of football,” said Pablo Dana of Heritage Sports Holding which owns Gibraltar United and in August bought 25 percent of Italian third division side Rimini using a digital currency.

Broughton agreed, saying “having a player’s identify and registration on the blockchain could provide greater transparency to the transfer and ownership systems”.

The technology could also be used together with big data analytics, to identify future football stars, according to Olivier Jarosz, head of club affairs at the Switzerland-based European Club Association.

“You can through the data base try to find out the biggest potentials without sending 200 scouts,” he said.

But Sam Jones of the London Football Exchange warned that “you can’t insure yourself” against some of the new cryptpocurrencies that use blockchain.

“You relying on hope and hope is the key ingredient of a bubble,” he said.

Spotify will make a playlist based on your DNA

by Jon Christian

F

amily tree database Ancestry announced this weekend that it’s teaming up with music streaming service Spotify for an unusual offering. Provide the results of your AncestryDNA test, and Spotify will provide a “mix of music, inspired by your origins,” according to a press release.

It’s a cute idea. But handing over your genetic information for a nonmedical reason is pretty darn sketchy.

- In my genes I admit, I’m not a big fan of Ancestry’s. The site once deleted about a decade of my family’s correspondence — along with many other families’ data — when it shuttered an old product a few years ago.

But, hey, don’t listen to me. Listen to SPIN writer Rob Arcand, who implored readers not to give up their genetic data for the promotion. He cited a ThinkProgress investigation that found that Ancestry’s terms of service stipulate that the company claims ownership to customers’ DNA in perpetuity.

The privacy concerns with DNA kits like Ancestry or 23andMe aren’t theoretical. Earlier this year, police caught a serial killer who was active in the 1970s and 80s (a good thing) by plugging his DNA into genealogical sites

like Ancestry (which many saw as setting a dangerous precedent).

Worse yet, the results just don’t seem to be worth it. Jezebel writer Ashley Reese tried the playlist feature out and found most of the results to be dull and generic.

“Protecting our customers’ privacy is Ancestry’s highest priority,” said Ancestry spokesperson Gina Spatafore in a statement to Futurism. “Spotify does not have access to DNA data of any Ancestry customers. Customers can manually input regions, into the playlist generator on Spotify and then a custom playlist is created with songs by artists from the various regions

Instagram co-founders resign from the social media company

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AN FRANCISCO: The cofounders of Instagram are resigning their positions with the social media company without explanation.

Chief Executive Kevin Systrom said in a statement late Monday that he and Mike Krieger, Instagram’s chief technical officer, plan to leave the company in the next few weeks and take time off “to explore our curiosity and creativity again.”

“Mike and I are grateful for the last eight years at Instagram and six years

or silence, and the proof was never printed in a journal. A year earlier, Atiyah claimed to have solved a famous problem in differential geometry in a paper he posted on the preprint repository ArXiv, but peers soon pointed out inaccuracies in his approach and the proof was never formally published.

- Science.com

with the Facebook team,” Systrom said. “We’ve grown from 13 people to over a thousand with offices around the world, all while building products used and loved by a community of over one billion. We’re now ready for our next chapter.”

“Building new things requires that we step back, understand what inspires us and match that with what the world needs; that’s what we plan to do,” Systrom said. “We remain excited for the future of Instagram and Facebook in the coming years as we transition from leaders to two users in a billion.”

No explanation was given for their sudden departure from the photo-sharing network they founded in 2010.

Facebook bought Instagram in 2012, just before going public, at a price that seemed inconceivable at the time — $1 billion — especially for a little-known startup with no profit. At the time Instagram was ad-free, with a loyal following of 31 million users

and across a wide variety of musical genres. All information is manually input by customers and the experience is completely optional.”

There’s also the question of whether what it means to trust a tech company like Spotify to recommend songs based on people’s genetic origins, which online observers worried could be culturally ham-fisted.

The bottom line: Society is still working out the norms or laws around what companies can do with your DNA — so for now, maybe you should hold off on sharing yours.

- Futurism.com

who were all on mobile devices — still a somewhat elusive bunch for the web-born Facebook back then. Since then, the service has grown to more than 1 billion users and has of course added plenty of advertisements.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called Systrom and Krieger “extraordinary product leaders” and said he was looking forward “to seeing what they build next.”

The departures are a challenge for Facebook. Instagram has been a bright spot for company not just because it’s seen as a more uplifting place than Facebook itself, but because it is popular with teens and young people — a group Facebook has had trouble keeping around.

Instagram has largely escaped Facebook’s high-profile problems over user privacy, foreign elections interference and fake news, even though it is not immune to any of these things (Facebook recently disclosed it has deleted hundreds of pages on its namesake site as well as Instagram that were linked to global misinformation campaigns intended to disrupt elections).

WhatsApp’s CEO Jan Koum resigned in April.

- Reuters

ART & CULTURE

VOICE OF ASIA 20

Want to Get Rich Buying Art? Invest in Women

leading galleries during the 1986-87 art season was between zero and four.

Now, female artists like Amy Sillman, Marlene Dumas and Kara Walker are as well known and influential as their male counterparts.

More than ever, female artists are breaking sales records and being recognized for their role in important art movements.

Ensuring that the momentum continues requires vigilance and commitment, because we have been here before. In 1957, two years after the

Opinion by Mary Gabriel

O

nce, when asked about discrimination against female artists, the Abstract Expressionist Lee Krasner said the bias was as old as Judeo-Christian history.

Brushing aside the weight of that realization, she added, “There’s nothing I can do about those 5,000 years.”

She painted anyway, as have women throughout the ages who have continued to create despite official disdain.

Centuries and decades later, it seems their persistence may be finally paying off. Galleries are adding more women to their rosters, museums like the Uffizi in Florence are combing their storage facilities in search of treasures that deserve airing, and numerous institutions have been mounting exhibitions of art by women. On the eve of this fall’s auction season, the art market appears to be experiencing a long overdue correction.

While the highest price ever paid for an artwork by a woman continues to be a small fraction of that of men, last spring in New York, auction sales records were shattered for the works of 15 female artists, including Krasner’s fellow Abstract Expressionists Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler and Grace Hartigan. With additional important paintings by women on offer this season — among them Frankenthaler’s rare 1959 work, “Red Square” — there is every reason to expect that more records will tumble.

Hilma af Klint: Painting the Unseen; Installation view; Serpentine Gallery, London (3 March – 15 May 2016) (Image © Jerry Hardman-Jones) cutting edge. For collectors, it has the irresistible allure of discovery.

“When you make a world record price for an artist, living or dead, there is a celebration that goes with that,” Ms. Friedlander said. “But it’s not that simple. It can’t just be that Joan Mitchell sells for $17 million; it has to

famous Fortune article, female artists were all the rage, even feted in Life magazine as being “in ascendance.”

But when market tastes shifted to Pop, women were once again relegated to their traditional place in the history of art — nowhere.

That history is not just wrong, it is

Anyone looking to invest in art should take heed.

The changed climate can be attributed to a host of causes: the increased focus on women’s rights across society, decades of activism by feminist artists and a simple matter of economics. But a much more gratifying reason is the belated recognition that work by women deserves support and attention because it is worthy.

“From the market perspective, when you have 15 mediocre [Willem] de Koonings come to market in a season and one amazing Joan Mitchell painting come to market in a season, the market is going to gravitate toward quality,” said Sara Friedlander, international director and head of postwar and contemporary art at Christie’s New York. “When the quality is really there, the market just explodes.”

During the first art market gold rush in the United States, in the mid-1950s, Fortune magazine advised its readers on investing in art. It identified three categories: Old Masters (a description that denotes the longstanding gender bias), “blue chip” works, and the “speculative” or “growth” arena.

The latter group included paintings by newly discovered artists, which, though a risky investment, showed enormous potential. The unknown artists Fortune included in that category are largely household names today: de

Today’s “growth” area would undoubtedly include them. Female artists have been neglected for so long that their work — even if it was painted 70 years ago — feels new and

From Kimchi to K-pop, Indian youngsters just can’t get enough of Korea

by Shephali Bhatt

M

UMBAI - Indian rapper Raftaar had to face the wrath of the ARMY recently. He had composed the lyrics for a movie song and it was alleged that the music video was copied from Korea’s most popular pop music band BTS’s song “Do you”. The rapper acknowledged the resemblance between the two videos, but pointed out that he was not involved in choosing the sets for the shoot.

Though Raftaar was seemingly forgiven, the incident brought to the fore the reach of the ARMY — short for Adorable R e p r e s e ntative MC for Youth, a term fans of BTS use to describe themselves.

There were hundreds of them, and this was just the Indian branch of the ARMY International music channel Vh1 India experienced the might of this ARMY two years ago. It asked viewers for song requests via social media platforms for a programme.

“We started noticing requests for BTS’s songs. They were incessant to a point where we thought these fans were trolling us on every post we made,” says Ferzad Palia, head of youth, music and English entertainment at Viacom18 India. The channel was quick tonotice the popularity of Korean bands in India and soon launched a dedicated programme.

Music streaming app Gaana has seen the consumption of K-pop among Indian users grow three times in the last one year itself.

- Hot Imports -

Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Signed and attr. Lee Krasner (American, 1908-1984) also be that there is a real cultural and curatorial shift in the way in which people look at that work.”

It can be argued that this shift is already underway. For female artists working today, though the fight for equal recognition is not won, that goal is closer — at least at the gallery level. A study by the City University of New York’s Guttman Community College found that during the 2016-17 period, 30 percent of the artists repre-

Joan Mitchell, “Iva,” 1973. Oil on canvas. (Christie’s Images)

Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline and Larry Rivers. Notably absent from the list were any of their female colleagues.

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

sented by the top New York galleries were women. While that is still too low, especially since women make up 51 percent of the professional artists working in the United States, it is a great improvement on the late 1980s.

A tally by the Guerrilla Girls, feminist activist artists, found that the number of shows by female artists at 17 of the

built on a false premise. The Abstract Expressionist story, for example, has been the tale of a few macho men and yet the late art historian Irving Sandler told me that with female artists like Hartigan, Mitchell, and Frankenthaler in the 1950s “it was a new ball game.

They opened it up for women, in part because they were stronger” than any of the men of their generation.

In Western art, the names most often associated with the earliest nonobjective abstract painting are Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, Robert Delaunay, and Frantisek Kupka.

Yet, as a new Guggenheim show of works by the unheralded Swedish artist Hilma af Klint that opens next month makes clear, Klint created completely abstract works years before these men.

Indeed, women have made great art since artists first put charcoal to stone or oil to canvas, and there is plenty of important work, old and new, by women. Curators and collectors just need to adjust their lenses and give that work its full due.

- NYTimes

It is not just Korean pop, widely called K-pop, that is being lapped up

by Indians. TV dramas, movies, beauty products and food have also become hot imports from South Korea.

Together, they form a wave of cultural exports that the foreign ministry in Seoul has been promoting to the rest of the world since 1999. According to the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, these cultural exports helped the Korean economy earn $8.2 billion in 2017, 6.9% more than what it made the previous year.

The west has been influenced by this Korean wave, also called Hallyu, over the last decade or so. Celebrity chefs often mention Korean food in their food videos. Korean-American families are increasingly playing the lead in mainstream global releases — Sony Pictures’ “Searching” and Netflix’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” being some of the recent examples. This year, BTS became the first Korean band to be rated at the top of the musical charts of Billboard Artist 100 in the US. While Hallyu is prevalent in 16 countries, India is perhaps the last South Asian country to experience the Korean wave, says Kim Kumpyoung, director of India’s Korean Cultural Centre, a network of non-profit institutions aligned with the South Korean government to promote the region’s culture and facilitate cultural exchanges. “The country of diverse cultures is still conservative to foreign cultures.”

Indians have just started understanding Korean culture, he adds.

It all started with K-pop. The music form gained popularity in the Northeast first, particularly in Manipur, which is often called the starting point of Hallyu is India. A ban on Indian entertainment content in 2000, courtesy the state’s political wing, pushed Manipur to look towards the Far East for cultural content. “A racial affiliation with the Mongoloids and similar family values drew them closer to Korea,” says Kima de Mizohican, a Mizo-

ramborn and Mumbai-based K-pop fan. Soon, the rest of the six states followed suit, he adds. In 2012, the rest of India also started dancing to K-pop tunes, thanks largely to Psy’s viral video “Gangnam Style”. Slick K-pop videos and lyrics peppered with a smattering of English started resonating well with teens. There are at least 100 accounts and pages of K-pop fans across Twitter and Facebook in India.

“Music is a universal language anyway,” says Supriya Joshi, 32, an ARMY girl herself. The Mumbaibased standup comic finds inspiration from a BTS song called Epiphany

which focuses on loving yourself even if you’re imperfect or your society misunderstands you. This finds resonance with youth in India. “Not to mention the artistes look gorgeous and dance really well.”

K-pop indirectly became the launch pad for other Korean cultural exports in India. In 2013, when Innisfree, a Korean cosmetic brand from the house of Amore Pacific, set shop in New Delhi’s Khan Market, few knew of a concept called K-beauty, an umbrella term for Korean skincare products.

“When you start watching K-pop videos, the YouTube algorithm invariably leads you to related items such as Kbeauty,” says Joshi.

In no time, thus, K-beauty ambassadors became all the rage here, says Mini Sood Banerjee, senior marketing manager for India at Innisfree. The brand has grown from one to 14 stores in five years. Not all K-beauty products do well in India because some customers are put off by a prominent ingredient, snail extracts. The facial mask sheets, however, are a hit with customers. Online cosmetics marketplace Nykaa, for one, has found selling K-beauty products lucrative.

“Earlier, skincare contributed to 20% of the revenue. After we introduced Korean brands, it grew to 30%,” says Nykaa founder Falguni Nayar.

- Beauty Products K-beauty rode on the natural-cosmetics wave that hit India around 2013-14. It did for high-end skincare what the sachet model did for shampoos, says Nayar. Nykaa has 500 Kbeauty products, including those from Innisfree and The Face Shop. Joshi hopes they get more. Nayar says negotiations are in the pipeline.

Nakkyun Chong, a Korean expat in India, is also in the midst of negotiations. The 56-year-old former business development manager with an MNC plans to launch an online marketplace for all things Korean in India by next year. The demand for these products has encouraged him to leverage on the popularity.

Groceries like Korean ramen noodles and seaweed are popular among non-Koreans, too, says Lee Yukyoung, director at Brics India Trade, which runs online grocery store koreanshop. in. Of the 40-odd orders the shop gets daily, 35 are from Indians, she says.

Indians seem to have taken a liking for Korean flavours. Korean ramen is spicy and has a strong taste that appeals to Indians, as opposed to Japanese ramen which is relatively bland, says Kim Gung, owner of Gung The Palace, chain of South Korean restaurants. 70% of customers at Delhi restaurant are Indians, he says. Koreans eat early. “By the time they finish, Indians start pouring in.” The restaurant gets a footfall of 60-70 every day.

- Economic Times

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Home&Real Estate 16 year old Sugar Land home listed for almost $6 million finds a buyer

Top 7 questions to ask a contractor during an interview

UGAR LAND - An older modern home in the Houston area has sold for a very pricey sum, according to data supplied by the Houston Association of Realtors.

here is no doubt undergoing a home renovation can be a stressful situation, and there are few people who can alleviate any anxiety and confusion more than a good contractor. But how do you seek out the right person for your project needs?

Here, we work through 10 vital questions to ask a contractor during an interview.

S

The largest home on the list was 7 Paradise Point Drive in Sugar Land. Listed for $5.95 million, the three-story, 13,547-square-foot residence includes five bedrooms, six fulland three half-baths, an exercise room, dry sauna, media room, game room and gentleman’s study along with a kitchen and living room.

T

TK Images: Courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Within 7 Paradise Point Drive’s 1.67 acres on the bank of Eldridge Lake, there’s also a carriage house, tennis and basketball courts, gazebo, fire pit, boat dock, boat, infinity edge pool with spa, eight-car garage and two summer kitchens. Cindy Burns with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller of this 2002 home.

HAR does not reveal the acual sale price for the home. - HBJ

Different way to buy, sell homes popping up in Houston

H

OUSTON - A Dallasbased company is hoping to make its mark in the Houston area with a different way to buy and sell homes.

traditional 6 percent commission split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

Door.com claims it can save buyers and sellers thousands of dollars depending on the price of the home.

A traditional agent’s typical commission is 3 percent. That’s $9,000.

The company says it charges a flat fee no matter what the price of the house instead of the

Take, for example, if you want to sell your home for $300,000.

Door.com charges a flat $5,000, so the seller saves $4,000.

Paul French, with Door.com, tells KRPC that since coming to Houston in March, his company has completed 37 transactions split down the middle between homebuyers and sellers.

“Our average client transaction is a $342,000 home, and our clients in Houston have saved an average of $5,500 versus the traditional real estate model,” French said.

- KPRC

1. How Long Have You Been Working in the Business?

While many of us may want to give people the benefit of the doubt, this is a situation where years of experience both in the field and working as a business owner is hard to over emphasize. Someone who has years of knowledge will not only know how to solve common problems that may arise during construction, they will also have well-established connections to subcontractors and suppliers, and will know how to set up reasonable deadlines to ensure their work is completed on time.

You may find some contractors that are new to the business but have years of work experience in the industry. If that’s the case and you’d like to engage with that contractor, consider starting off with a smaller project and seeing how it goes.

2. Are You Licensed?

Although this may not be a requirement for all projects (requirements for licensed contractors depend on the scope of work and the location of the project), it’s important to know that the contractor you engage with has experience in the work you’re looking to have done.

3. Is Your Team Covered by a Certificate of Insurance?

While this may initially seem like a little more information than you need to know from the get-go, this is actually one of the most important pieces

same time. You will likely also want to ask about a proposed daily schedule. For example, knowing what time the team will start every day, and what

Rest assured knowing your renovation project is in good hands by asking a potential contractor these key questions during an interview. of information you can learn about your contractor.

Contractors should have both liability insurance for the type of work they’re going to complete as well as worker’s compensation. Plus, if you live in an apartment building, your building may also have insurance requirements.

4. Do You Have References?

If you didn’t hear about your contractor from a friend or other reference in the first place, you’ll want to reach out to someone who has experience dealing with the company and its team. Typically, past performance from a contractor can be a great indicator of how your project will go, so it’s ideal to speak with someone who has completed a similar scope of work as you’re looking to do.

5. What Is Your Proposed Timeline For This Project?

It’s important for any homeowner to understand and agree to a realistic schedule before any work begins. Ideally, you would get this in writing, along with an explanation of how to proceed if the timeline is changed.

It’s also good to know how many other projects the contractor is working on at the

time their workday will end is important to note, because this may or may not coincide with your own schedule.

6. How Often Do You Finish a Project Ahead of Schedule?

This is a question that you’ll also want to ask your references. It’s highly unlikely that your contractor has finished all of their projects early, but hearing that even just a few were completed before the expected deadline is good news, as it means your contractor provides realistic schedules and doesn’t take on too much work at the same time.

7. Can We Sign a “Time and Materials” Contract?

A “time and materials” contract outlines a set price for labor and materials based on hourly rates or price per quantity in case unexpected circumstances arise. For example, imagine that all the wiring in your kitchen will need to be replaced, but this wasn’t part of the original scope of work.

Your contractor, from the beginning, can provide the hourly rate for an electrician and the cost for rewiring materials if you’ve signed a “time and materials” contract.

- Dwell

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SMALL BUSINESSES

VOICE OF ASIA 22

B

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS BOOK-KEEPING

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

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Your love life needs excitement to thrive. What have you done lately to make sure you’re getting that dose of romantic adrenaline? There’s a thin line between seduction and danger; what side are you on?

21 April to 20 May This is a busy time. Be kind to others who are stressed. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the areas you’re called upon to manage. Make lists and set priorities in order to be most effective. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

21 May to 20 June With aspects affecting your home life and inner emotions, you may wish for a rewind button on your life so you could go back and correct past mistakes. But we’re here to learn, not control.

21 June to 22 July Whatever your problem, it can be helped by rediscovering the art of ritual. You might be the kind of person who doesn’t like to commit to schedules or anything that ties you down to a time and a place.

23 July to 22 August Don’t think too much about your health and well-being. More importantly, don’t keep changing your mind about the kind of diet you should follow or exercise you should do. Keep exercising and eating well.

23 August to 22 Sept Love can be frustrating, Virgo, but you’re not the only one feeling it. Commiserate with your single friends about what’s been going wrong with your love life and what you might be able to do to fix it.

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23 September to 22 Oct You can really enjoy yourself when you’re progressing through any assignment with care and dedication.

It might be necessary for you to do some overtime, but you won’t mind. This is a great time to clean, sort, and get better organized.

23 October to 21 Nov This period is about the new opportunities coming to your working life.

The sky’s the limit in terms of what you can expect, but the Universe won’t do it for you. You must be on the lookout for ways to increase your income.

22 November to 21 Dec You may be tempted to indulge as a way to bury certain feelings. Your busy social life can provide a way for you to do this without anyone noticing, but it would be much better if you could work out daily.

22 December to 20 Jan You’re busy dealing with work, school, or family at the beginning of the week, so you don’t have a lot of time to respond to online messages, texts, or DMs. Make sure you have time to meet up before you swipe right!

21 January to 19 Feb This can be a good time to purge those deep-seated feelings and experiences that may have been holding you back for too long. Whole areas of your life could open, and things you always dreamed of might become possible.

20 February to 20 Mar This time could bring you to a crossroads. It may be that you need to consider changing jobs in favor of something that uses your imagination or helps you give compassionate service to others.

ACROSS 1. Tulip precursors 6. “Le ____ des cygnes” 9. Education-related acronym 13. Heads-up 14. Fertility clinic stock 15. A la ____ 16. Curl one’s lip 17. Cub’s home 18. “The Goldbergs” sibling 19. *Carpool ____ with James Corden 21. *Fallon is on when?

23. Crime scene evidence 24. Sounds of amazement 25. Tokyo, once 28. Strong hold 30. *Host of “Good night, and good luck” fame 35. Roll call document 37. End of prayer 39. Bowl unsuitable for water 40. Shakespeare’s king 41. Cocoyam, pl.

43. What egoist and egotist have in common, pl.

44. Encourage 46. Madam, to a cowboy 47. Pleasant gentle accent 48. Intellectual 50. Not us 52. Lusitania’s last call 53. Sherlock Holmes’ assignment 55. Waikiki garland 57. *Letterman’s successor 61. Do like in “A River Runs Through It” 65. To a bartender: “The ____” 66. Argonaut’s propeller 68. Empower 69. Of a particular gray shade 70. By way of 71. Theatrical characters 72. Displeasure display 73. Australian runner 74. Editor’s “Let it stand” marks

DOWN 1. Derive pleasure 2. Forearm bone 3. Malicious look 4. Cabbage 5. Chris Hemsworth’s movie “12 ____” 6. Ore deposit 7. Perpendicular to St. in NYC 8. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 9. Hindu wrap 10. H.S. math class 11. Write on tombstone, e.g.

12. Animal protein 15. Population count 20. Gold unit 22. Omega of electrical resistance 24. Perform a surgery 25. *Talker and Oscar, Grammy and Emmy host 26. Muralist Rivera 27. “_____ County” with Streep 29. Mosque V.I.P. 31. Cambodian money 32. *Kelly’s ex 33. Convex molding 34. Adam and Mae 36. Ragtime turkey dance 38. *Jon Stewart’s successor 42. Fresh Prince: “____ ya later!”

45. In a pleasant manner 49. *Where some James Corden segments are set 51. *Former “Weekend Update” host 54. *Appliance on Rachael Ray’ Show set 56. “____ ____ me, then who?”

57. Pointy part of a tooth 58. Nobel Peace Prize capital 59. Hula feast 60. Quilter’s stuffing 61. German Mrs. 62. Not in use 63. Edible fat 64. Hitler’s Deputy 67. Go for the bull’s eye

SOLUTION on TALK SHOWS on page 23

CLASSIFIEDS

VOICE OF ASIA 23

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Job Posting – Meteorologist KTRK-TV the ABC Owned station in Houston, TX is looking for a meteorologist with a strong on-air presence, commanding, authoritative delivery, who knows how to turn weather data into relevant information for viewers. Candidates must have experience covering severe weather on live TV and you must have a meteorology degree and accredited weather seals. We want someone who strives to present an innovative weathercast on broadcast and digital platforms. You must be comfortable with the very latest in weather tools and technology. Candidates need to be willing to work any day, any shift. Be prepared to show examples of how you embrace new technologies and new digital platforms, including social media, to connect with and inform viewers. We want someone who wants to be involved in the community, is passionate about their work, and enjoys being part of a team. A minimum of 3 years in a medium or large TV market is a must. To be considered all interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, reference job # 596077BR. Please upload a cover letter, resume and list of references. Equal Opportunity Employer - Female/ Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. No Telephone Calls Please.

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TRAVEL / LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 24

Why travel is important today more than ever

by Jon Look, Jr.

S

ometimes our beautiful world seems like a scary place. The news that we are drip-fed through our devices often paints a biased and disproportionally terrifying picture. Technologically, we are more connected, but in many ways more isolated than ever.

It is rare to meet a fearful traveler and it is even more rare to meet a traveler that grows more fearful as they gain experience. There is something telling in that.

Sure, there are places in the world that are inadvisable to visit, for example, disaster and

Jonathan Look, Jr. at Rocket Festival in Laos (Photo: Sarah Wilson) Instead of using interconnectedness to seek out data that broadens our knowledge and understanding, too often we seek out information that reinforces our prejudices and fears. Politicians and others understand this trait well and weaponize it to manipulate and control our actions in ways that favor them.

Once ideas, even false ones, have taken hold, it is much more difficult to take in information that challenges those ideas. Challenging beliefs and preconceptions can be uncomfortable. For me, one of the best ways to overcome false information about the world is to travel.

Travel is the antidote to our fears.

There is a tendency to feel out of control and more fearful when we are unfamiliar with or we don’t understand something. When I hear people who don’t travel expressing fears about faraway places I like to ask them how they formed their opinion. Usually it is from outdated news stories, friend of a friend anecdotes, or politically motivated tales concocted to promote an agenda.

conflict zones, but they are extremely small. Demonizing strangers is easy. It is harder to demonize friends. Traveling, getting to know the world and connecting with people helps reduce the risk that areas of conflict will spread.

Through traveling, you learn quickly that it is foolish to put people into categories and that the cartoonish impressions that others ascribe to other nationalities are invariably inaccurate.

In fact, when you see someone thoughtlessly demonizing any group they do not know well, it says much more about the accuser than the accused.

Through traveling, we learn that people of all cultures share basically the same hopes and aspirations that we have. Yes, outside appearances are often vastly different. We pray to different Gods or no Gods at all.

We dress in different manners and have different traditions and languages. Some cultures are outgoing and others are more reserved and stoic; but all cultures love their children, are proud of their heritage, want to improve conditions for their families and leave a legacy of some sort behind.

By its very definition, “news” is something that is unusual or doesn’t happen very often. That is why, behind our borders, the bad stories are the ones we hear and the good ones go unreported. It is because the world seems focused on negative things, that we not only need to go see for ourselves, we need to be informal ambassadors for what is good in us and our country.

Instead of building walls and barriers to understanding, we should be searching for common ground, celebrating our differences and encouraging humankind to be more tolerant of each other. I am not so naive as to believe everyone is good, but no matter your political persuasion, those that benefit from spreading hate and division are often thwarted when we take the time to meet the world.

No, being traveled does not make you a better person, but neither does uninformed or irrational fear. Learning about this world gives us freedom over those who would use fears to cynically and selfishly influence and control us. Becoming a better person requires being open to knowledge and willingness to change.

If you go to faraway places and get outside of the comfortable bubbles that we build around ourselves, you will become more informed. That is good for you and the planet.

Freedom is something we talk about, but don’t often exercise. Mindlessly waving flags and reciting pledges is not freedom. Acquiring the knowledge to critically examine and analyze your circumstances and taking action to act upon that knowledge is freedom.

Mark Twain said it best: ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.’

- Fortune

D

o your upcoming travel plans include pets? Whether you’re flying to an exciting destination or hitting the road, these suggestions can make the journey easier for animals and humans alike.

• Prep your pet:

If you haven’t already microchipped your pet, this may be a good opportunity to do so. This is also the time to ensure your pet’s collar is up-to-date with your current contact information.

• Pack right: Pack plenty of food and fresh water and a sufficient supply of any medications your pet is taking, as getting refills away from home could be difficult. To alleviate anxiety, bring along pet blankets and toys as reminders of home. Also pack a pet-specific first aid kit, which should include non-stick bandages, adhesive bandages, towels, gauze and your veterinarian’s phone number.

• Follow rules: Do your research to ensure you’re following rules along the way and at your destination. Check airline policies, as well as hotel and campsite restrictions and accommodations. Travel across state or international borders requires a health certificate.

Photo Source: (c) alexei_tm / stock.Adobe.com

Some locations require more information and documentation. Give yourself plenty of time to handle these details.

Your veterinarian can be a good resource in learning what to expect. To that end, a check-up is also a good idea before a trip, as vaccinations or preventive medications may be needed before traveling.

• Safety first: While seatbelts alone can keep a dog from moving about the cabin of the car, they are not your safest option. To help protect pets in a crash, anchor a crate using a seatbelt or other secure means. When flying, opt to keep your pet in the cabin of the plane if possible. Temperatures and air quality in cargo can put a strain on pets. If your animal is too large to fly in the cabin, speak to your veterinarian about what you can do to keep your pet safe and relaxed in-flight.

• Prepare for anything:

Toronto opens permanent ‘Friends’-themed coffee shop

Through traveling our preconceptions are challenged and you will see other, perhaps better, ways of accomplishing positive things.

Traveling With Pets? What to Know

Traveling can prove stressful to animals, so don’t catch your pet off-guard. Before leaving town, practice taking short rides in the car or spending time in a carrier. This will help your pet get used to the experience.

FRIDAY, September 28, 2018

Even the best laid plans can hit snags. Be prepared for the possibility that your pet will become accidentally injured or develop an unexpected illness while traveling, prompting an unplanned trip to the vet. To prepare, consider solutions like the CareCredit credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, which features special financing options (subject to credit approval) that can allow you to focus on getting your pet better while making monthly payments. More than 200,000 health care providers and health-focused retailers, including over 20,000 veterinarians accept the CareCredit credit card nationwide, which also sponsored the distribution of the tips in this article. Go to www.carecredit.com for pet healthcare providers closest to your vacation destination.

Advance planning is key when traveling with a pet. With a little care, you can make your travels with furry friends safe, fun and memorable.

-StatePoint.

One of the main settings of ‘Friends’ was the neighborhood coffee shop. Photo: AFP/NBC Television

W

hile pop-up incarnations have come and gone in cities like New York and London, Toronto has opened a permanent “Friends”-themed hangout that recreates the iconic New York coffee shop.

Ostensibly to skirt possible trademark infringement, the Toronto location doesn’t take the original name Central Perk, but instead opened under the name Central Café.

To replicate the iconic set-

ting, the Toronto café features a reasonable facsimile of the three-seater brown, fabric, tufted sofa, on which characters like Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, Joey and Chandler would commiserate about their professional and romantic lives while drinking from oversized coffee mugs.

The setting also includes a Persian-style rug and a pair of armchairs flanking the sofa on either side.

Elsewhere,

however,

the

café seems rather generic and sparse, with a menu that includes run-of-the-mill offerings like turkey, avocado grilled cheese, assorted cakes and specialty coffees with amateurish foam art.

Earlier this year, The Blast reported that Warner Bros. had secured copyrights to the name Central Perk “for coffee shop and café services” sparking speculation that official “Friends” cafes could be coming our way. - AFP