Voice of Asia Feb 27 2015

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FRIDAY, February 27, 2015 New Series on Principles, Need and Benefits of Life Insurance Read more on Page 16. Call 713-771-2900

Vol. 28 No. 9 Friday, February 27, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

IACAN releases SAHNA Report, Receives praise for pioneering work

Hon. Consul General Mr. P. Harish officially releasaeing SAHNA report with with Kanchan Kabad, IACAN President and Dr. V. K. Dorai,IACAN Director on Feb. 22, 2015 at the India House.

by Shobana Muratee

H

OUSTON – On February 22, 2015 the Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) received the admiration and attention of the medical and research commu-

nity for their pioneering work on the SAHNA (South Asian Health Needs Assessment) Report prepared and completed in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center. The findings were officially released on the day at the India House

‘

by Dayal Nitāi dāsa OM in the Big Heart of Texas’ was the signature motto for the sixth annual Texas Yoga Conference (TYC) held February 2022 at ISKCON Houston (Hare Krishna Temple and Cultural Center). Leading yoga teachers and speakers, along with hundreds of practitioners came together for a city retreat full of presentations, yoga classes for all levels, lectures and fun music concerts over three days.

IACAN Board, MDAnderson Cancer Center and Volunteers who worked on SAHNA; Last row from left to right Sarvesh Bhavaraju, Dr. Hardeep Singh, Lakshmi Naik, Dr. Deborah Banerjee, Dr. Lewis Foxhall, Dr. Sanjay Sethi, Dr. Mala Pande, Dr.Lovell Jones, Dr. V. K. Dorai, Dr. Sunil Krishnan, 2nd row left to right Alpa Shah, Meena Agrawal, Dr. Sewa Legha, Dr. Anu Rao, Kanchan Kabad, Dr. Beverly Gor, Gayathri Rao, Beth Allen, Arlene Mathews and Gayathri Kongovi. Photo(s) Credit: Bijay Dixit, Unique Images Studio. by the Hon. Consul General of India, Houston, Parvathaneni Harish marking a significant milestone, both for IACAN and

MD Anderson Cancer Center. on

“A study of this magnitude health-needs of Indian

Americans has not been done anywhere in the US, as far as we know,” said Kanchan Kabad, President of IACAN, an-

Sixth annual Texas Yoga Conference concludes at ISKCON Houston

Continued on Page 6

author of “Vanity Karma – Ecclesiastes, the Bhagavad-gita,and the meaning of life.” Saturday showcased a unique yoga flow based on the ancient Hebrew Kabalah, maha-mantra kirtan in the new temple, a mala-making session and a vegetarian cooking class by ISKCON’s Shoba Kisori Devi .

Performing each day in the new temple room were world-renowned kirtan artists Gaura Vani and Visvambhar Sheth (the latter a member of the Mayapuris). Together under the new banner name, the Juggernauts, they were electrifying in their ecstatic call-andresponse presentations. Fusing ancient sacred mantras and tunes with contemporary influences, they irresistibly inspired participants to dance or sing along. On Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at noon, the Bhakti House Band performed a percussion-driven instrumentation with rich harmonies that enlightened the soul. Since the 2011 release of their award-winning album, ‘Nada Bhakti: The Sound of Devotion’, they have gained thousands of loyal fans in more than 50 countries.

Led by Houston yoga community organizer Jenny Buergermeister of Jennyoga, with logistic support by Tracie Brace Hatton of Yoga Rasa, this year’s TYC weekend featured asana workshops and teachings, vendors and studios, wholesome vegetarian food and sharing of loving exchanges. Whatever a person’s level of experience, there was ample opportunity to deepen one’s yogic practice and understanding.

Kicking off the TYC under the sacred branches of the peepal ‘Tree of Life’ on the temple grounds, the world’s most popular yoga brand Lululemon brought their local ambassadors with a brunch and live DJ. Friday also featured Yoga Gives Back, a non-profit which empowers women in India, a concert by The Juggernauts and a talk

by His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami,

nouncing the completion of SAHNA project.

Yoga guru Chrispy Bhagat Singh (center) teaches yoga to the participants of TYC held at ISKCON Houston from Feb. 20-22, 2015. Photo Credit:Anthony Rodriguez, AREXPRESSIONS.ORG”

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

VOICE OF ASIA 2

Justice is for all

Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief: Austin Correspondent: Print & Media Marketing: Marketing: Production: Office Manager:

have been brought against the officer.

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

Koshy Thomas Publisher & CEO Voice of Asia Group

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

S

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor: Online & Newsletter : 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.

There is a time to speak up.

There is a time to remain silent.

Perhaps it is time to step outside of our own comfort zones, and reconsider when it is the time to speak up. In order to do so, we will need to set aside our provincial notions of who

The public outcry was immediate, especially from within the Indian community. Rightfully so. Unlike some of the more recent cases involving allegations of police brutality, Mr. Patel’s case was handled differently. The Governor of Alabama, Gov. Robert Bentley, issued a written apology. The officer in question has been dismissed. Criminal charges

- The Publisher

EXPRESS

ome of the most memorable lines from the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr., penned on April 16, 1963 from his jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama are: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny,” and “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Dr. King was imprisoned for taking part in nonviolent demonstrations to protest segregation. The letter was Dr. King’s response to clergymen who had criticized him, and cautioned him, against participating in such activity.

This is a defining moment for us as a community. We spoke up when one of “our own” was assaulted. Again, rightfully so.

However, we have remained largely silent in the face of other allegations of police brutality.

Recently, our community experienced the harrowing incidence of having one of our own, Sureshbhai Patel, a grandfather; a man who spoke no English being assaulted by police while taking a walk in the neighborhood. He had been in the United States only a few days to help care for his new grandson. A neighbor had alerted local police, and reported that a suspicious “skinny, black guy” was roaming around in the neighborhood. Patel was thrown to the ground and beaten so severely by the policeman that he was partially paralyzed. The entire beating was caught on videotape.

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

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is an “outsider.”

Are we the outsider? Or is it the black teenager with a hoodie? Is it the white man who is roughed up by police? Whether the face is white, black, brown, or yellow it is time that we take to heart the observation that Dr. King made from his jail cell.

Dr. King put it far more eloquently, but what he seemed to be saying was that we are all in this together. When one person is marginalized, we are all marginalized. When one person is denigrated, we are all denigrated. When one person is brutalized, we are all brutalized. As

C. M. S High School consistently achieved 100% pass rates in the SSLC exams. He and Aleyamma Joseph were married on December 28, 1958 and were blessed with three wonderful children: Binoy, Biju, and Binu.

Aug. 31, 1927 to Feb. 21, 2015.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4: 7

P

ulikkaparambil Thomas George was born on August 31, 1927 to P. V. Thomas and Saramma Thomas in Thrissur, India. After his graduation, he started his job as a teacher in C. M. S. High School, Thrissur. He later became the headmaster of the school and continued to touch the lives of countless students. During his tenure,

After his retirement, he moved to Houston, Texas, with his eldest son, Binoy in 1991. He enjoyed spending time with his family in the U.S. and in India.

P.T. George, or “Daddy,” as his family lovingly calls him was an endearing individual; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His generosity, kindness, and intelligence were an inspiration to his family and those around him.

Daddy always had a positive outlook on life even in the midst of the most difficult situations. He was very personable and always entertaining. His conversations were filled with lively stories, and you would always leave having learned something. He was a simple man that enjoyed the simple things in life.

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Daddy was called home to heaven on February 21, 2015. It is difficult to see beyond the sorrow, but Daddy will live on in our hearts forever, bringing us comfort in the days to come. He left his footprints in our hearts for all of us to remember.

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He is survived by his loving wife, Aleyamma George; his brother, P.T. Johnson; his children, George Binoy, Biju George, Binu George; daughters-in-law, Mercy Binoy, Sobha Biju, and Animole Binu; his grandchildren, Brian Mon, Bincy Mol, Linda Mol, Lenita Mol, Leema Mol, and Sneha Mol.

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Second Front Page

Friday, February 27, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

Mahashivarathri Celebration at Sri Meenakshi Temple

by Chittoor K. Ramachandran

dhi to perform the abhishekam.

The temple resounded with the most auspicious Rudram during the course of abhishekam. The flawless chanting of veda by the priests and the ritwiks eleveated the impact of the rituals to an exalted level. About 500 devotees including the Honorable Consul General of India Sri. P. Harish and his wife participated in the various pujas. Devotees also enthusiastically lines up to pour milk on the Shiva lingam ( Athma Linga puja).

H

undreds of Hindu devotees assembled in the evening of the most auspicious Mahashivarathri ( February 27) to offer their respect to Sri Sundareswar, withstanding the chilly weather.

Ardent Shiva devotees believe that opportunity to participate in the rituals and listening to the specific vedamanthrams on this day is a divine sanction.

Musicians consider that the ability for singing is a blessing from Sri Shiva and singing his glory on Shivarathri is an expression of their gratitude. The basic lesson a classical dancer says that :-

Many Shiva devotees continued to be present near Sri Sundareswara sannidhi to attend chathur kala pooja, singing bhajans and chanting veda manthrams. As a tradition, abhishekam and archana were repeated every 3 hours during the night. Shivarathri is the only time the temple remains open to the public in the nighttime. This year, nearly one hundred devotees stayed awake throughout the night.

“Aangikam bhuvanam yasya, vachikam sarva vaangmayam Aahaaryam chandra thaaraadi, tam namah saathwikam Shivam” Meaning: To whom the whole world is the movement of His ( Shiva’s) body, all sound His speech, the Moon and the Stars His ornaments, Him the Almighty being Shiva, the embodiments of divine serenity, I

Priests getting ready to do 108 Shankha Puja and Homam

Hon.Consul General of India, Houston Sri. P. Harish and wife Nandita doing Athmalinga puja salute. -: Natya Shashtra.

Mahashivarathri celebration at Sri Meenakshi Temple facilitated both cultural and religious aspects of the importance of this day to the full satisfaction of the devotees who were looking forward to this day.

The newly expanded Sri Ganesha sannidhi was set for the artistic presentations in which dozens of aspiring young and older students from various local dance schools performed classical dances. Several musicians offered their prayers by singing highly regarded com-

The successful Mahashivarathri celebration at MTS was a demonstration of how serving the Lord with ardent devotion leads to great happiness and peace.

positions by great composers.

Hordes of Shiva devotees started arriving by evening to the beautifully decorated main temple prepared to have convenient darshan of the detailed rituals. As the sun started disappearing, for a brief period, the glowing periphery of the gopuram appeared like a giant jwala-lingam as a signal to begin the elaborate Mahashivarathri pooja.

Concentrating on the open flame in the homam, and a plead to Agni, the priests jointly

chanted a series of vedamanthrams. It took no effort to draw the attention of all the devotees at the auspicious moment of poornaahuthi. As the flame rose, so did everyone’s energy.

Among the ways to adore and admire the majesty of Lord Shiva, abhishekam of Shivalinga with the water poured from the shankha (Shankhaabhishekam) is considered very auspicious. The priests ceremoniously carried 108 shankha filled with sanctified water to Sundareswara sanni-

Dance performances to celebrate Shivarathri

Letter To The Editor Dear Editor, I wish to share some information with your readers about the new Visa process for American citizens planning to go to India.

One of my American citizen relatives needed an emergency visit to India. His US passport expired and was already renewed. But the old passport, which had a 10-year India visa in it, was not returned, in spite of several requests. Because of

the urgency, he wanted to use the new visa-on-arrival facility and looked for details on the Indian government website. He applied afresh for a new Visa on-line at about 11PM on Friday, 20 Feb. He woke up early on Saturday (21st) morning and in his email, there was a receipt for the visa. He booked a ticket right away and left for India on Saturday itself. On presenting that receipt at the Immigration counter at the Indian airport, a new visa was issued and he left

the airport in a breeze. The old visa application process was a whole day affair and was very costly too.

It appears that the Indian government cut its red tape, as promised by Narendra Modi in his Madison Garden speech. I hope many of his other promises are being implemented with equal speed.

Sincerely Prabhu Narumanchi Houston TX

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 4

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

Living together does not create a common law marriage Q. I have lived with my ex-husband for over 25 years after our divorce. Do we now have a common law marriage?

A. To have a common law marriage you must agree to be married and hold yourself out as married. Simply living together for any period of time is not enough. As long as you call him your “ex,” and consider yourself divorced, you do not have a common law marriage.

Q. I read that I am not liable if a thief forges my name on one of my checks. When I reported this to my bank, it said I am responsible because I waited too long to report it.

Who is right?

A. Actually, both you and the bank are correct. As far as the law is concerned, you have no liability if someone steals your check and forges your name. On the other hand, the law also requires that you promptly report the forgery once you receive your bank statement and discover the forged check. Be sure to immediately review your bank statement and report any irregularity to the bank. Many banks have very short time-periods within which forgeries must be reported.

Q. I print and sell t-shirts. Can I make a freehand copy of a cartoon character out of a magazine and use it as part of one of my designs? Someone told me this was illegal.

A. What you were told is true. Federal copyright law probably protects the cartoon character in the paper. This means that you do not have the right to reproduce or copy the character. It doesn’t matter whether you make the copy freehand or with the assistance of a machine.

Q. My father recently passed away. I was named executor in his will. My father lived in an apartment and owned very little. I discovered, however, that he did owe a lot of money to a few credit card companies. Now the credit card companies want to be paid. As executor, am I responsible for my father’s debts?

A. The executor is the person in charge of putting the terms of a will into effect. The primary role of the executor is gathering up the assets of the estate and distributing them to the creditors and beneficiaries of the deceased. In the event that the estate does not have sufficient assets to pay the deceased debts, the debts are not paid. The executor is not responsible. I suggest you contact the creditors and let them know your father has died and that there are no assets in his estate.

Q. I am a runner. A policeman recently told me that I had to run on the sidewalk. He said it was illegal to run in the street. This can’t be the law. Is it?

A. As far as the law is concerned, sidewalks are made for walking, jogging and running.

Under the law, when you run you are a pedestrian. You are subject to the same laws as a person walking. This means you must run on the sidewalk, unless there is not one. In that case, you may run in the street, facing traffic.

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

A. No, there is no debtor’s prison in Texas. If you don’t pay money you owe you may be sued, but you cannot be put in jail. In fact, the threat to throw you in jail for not paying your bills probably violates both federal and state debt collection laws. For more information about what may happen if you don’t pay your bills, look at the debt collection section on my website below.

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

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YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER Answers to your Immigration Questions

by Sharlene Sharmila Richards, Immigration Lawyer:email at srichardslaw@aol.com ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT H-1B VISA RELATED ISSUES Sharlene Sharmila Richards Q: My new employer will be filing an H-1B petition for me in April. I like to request for my employer to premium process the petition. Please can you explain about premium processing and whether it will increase the chances of my H-1B petition being selected under the quota?

A: To premium process, the H-1B petition must be filed with Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. The filing fee is an additional $1225 on top of the H-1B petition regular processing fee of $325. Under premium processing, USCIS will either issue a Notice of Approval or Request for Evidence within 15 calendar days. It is a myth that requesting for Premium processing will increase the chances of the petition being selected under the quota. Every petition whether filed by regular processing or premium processing stands an equal chance of being randomly selected so long as those petitions were filed before the filing cut off ‘deadline’ set by USCIS. Q: I am married and I have two children under the age of 21 years. I am here in the US and will be the beneficiary of an H-1B petition. Can my wife and children who currently live in India get any status if I got the H-1B? A: Yes, your wife and children under 21 years old will be issued H-4 visas. They can apply for this visa at the US Consulate in India.

Q: If my wife gets the H-4 visa, can she work or attend school in the US? A: No, she will not be permitted to work. But she will be allowed to attend school on a full time or part time basis.

Q: I am currently holding H-1B status and my wife has H-4 status. I heard that in some instances H-4 spouses will be permitted to work. Is this true?

A: The Department of Homeland Security just announced that effective May 26th, 2015, H-4 spouses of H-1B holders who are either the beneficiary of an approved I-140 or are holding H-1B status under AC21 sections 106(a) and (b) may apply for employment authorization. These are nonimmigrant H-1B holders who intend to seek permanent residence status and 365 days or more have elapsed since their labor certification application or I-140 immigrant petition (whichever applicable) was filed. Once the H-4 spouse’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is approved, the he or she may begin working in the US. Q: My OPT (Optional Practical Training) will be expiring this June. My present employer wishes to petition for the H-1B visa for me. Is there going to be a problem for me with regards to working for my employer until October 1st, 2015 when my H-1B is approved?

A: If your H-1B petition was filed before the expiry of your status (in this case, it will be filed on April 1st, 2015), you will be protected by the automatic cap-gap extension which will allow you to continue working until your H-1B case has been adjudicated.

Q: My OPT has just expired. My H-1B petition will be filed on April 1st. Can I continue to work for the employer until my H-1B has been approved?

A: No, you cannot. If the H-1B petition was filed after the expiration of your OPT but within the 60 day grace period after the expiration of the OPT, you cannot use the cap gap extension. You must ceased working for the employer when your OPT ends.

Q: I own a small company with one H-1B employee. Business is slow due to the recent dip in gas prices. I like to reduce the work hours for the H-1B employee and I am thinking that for the hours she does not work, my company need not have to pay her.

A: This is called ‘benching’ and could result in problems for your company as your company when it filed the H-1B petition did attest that it will pay the employee the prevailing wage for the job. The rule is the prevailing wage must be paid even if the employee was non-productive due to circumstances related to their employment. The other option would be for your company to terminate her employment. Benching an H-1B employee is not an option.

Q: I am in the US on B2 status. It expires in May 2015. Can I apply for the H-1B? A: Yes, you may. You need to meet the requirements for the H-1B visa. In addition to that, you will have to ensure that you either continue to maintain your status from the time of expiry of your B2 status until the time you can commence H—1B employment on October 1st, 2015 or return to your home country prior to expiry of your authorized stay so that you can obtain the H-1B visa from the appropriate US consulate.

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

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

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Love One Love All – Club 24 Plus Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition Joined Valentine’s Day Party

2700 Communities Leaders From Across The Country At Cadca’s 25th National Leadership Forum

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lub 24 Plus kicked off its 2015 event calendar with a fun filled Valentine’s party. In the elegant ambience of the Sweetwater Country Club, the organizers made an early start to create a pretty in pink and red backdrop to celebrate the festival of love & friendship. The social hour started with pictures taken of couples dressed in themed attire with a beautiful red flower backdrop. Gentle mimosas and samosas with romantic melodies set the tone. Everyone grabbed the opportunity to mingle with fellow members and then they were guided to their beautifully decorated tables.

Asha Dhume, President, Club 24 Plus welcomed everyone by giving a brief description of the charter of the Club. “It is a social club with a difference, with Philanthropy and outreach to the mainstream community as the core ethos of the club.” She outlined many exciting events for the rest of the year and thanked the members for their enthusiastic participation.

Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition _graduation Club 24 Plus members and guests L-R: Raj Malani, Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy with Sarah and Tom Abraham.

It was game time thereafter!

In a congenial mood, the men rolled back the years with romantic Bollywood one - liners.

The ‘Knots’ game had the couples in all sorts of funny contusions, despite the simplicity of solution. Those who remained sharp through the afternoon grabbed opportunities to gather necklaces in the ‘Taboo’ spell.

The games were followed up by a sumptuous lunch that catered to all tastes through the diversity of the menu.

“Hands down…one of the best conferences I have been to.

From the outstanding venue and informational speakers to the fascinating day on Capitol Hill with great Texas collaboration, it had it all, look forward to next year,” said Teresa Cox Reading, RN, a FBCPC member.

With their introductions, the new members were inducted into Club 24 Plus. The guests were also presented with Valentine Day gift bags.

This is what some members had to say: Raj and Jugal Malani “This years Valentines event was very well organized by Club 24 Plus, it had all the ingredients to have a romantic afternoon with your loved one... good decoration, good food & entertainment and great company of all the mem-

F

ort Bend County – Six representatives from the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition (FBCPC) joined nearly 2,700 substance abuse prevention specialists and advocates from across the country at Community AntiDrug Coalitions of America’s (CADCA) 25th Annual National Leadership Forum, the nation’s largest and premier training event for substance abuse prevention and treatment professionals and researchers.

CADCA’s National Leadership Forum took place Feb. 2-5 in National Harbor, Md.

Asha Dhume, President Club 24 Plus (2nd from left) and ladies from the Social committee: Vandana Prakash, Savita Rao, Kiran Gupta, Prabha Roopani and Alpa Shah. Photo Credit: Bijay Dixit bers. Me and Raj we thoroughly enjoyed and hats off to the Club 24 organizing team.”

Leela Krishnamurthy ”Love was in the air at the Club 24 Plus Valentines brunch as usu-

ally bashful men shed their shyness to express their love to their wives totally festive and fun.

Awesome job Asha and team” Another feather in the cap to the social committee of Kiran

Gupta, Savita Rao, Alpa Shah, Prabha Roopani, and Vandana Prakash whose spirited and elegant shaping of the Club 24 Plus event made it a memorable occasion.

CADCA’s National Leadership Forum featured nearly 80 courses to help participants learn effective strategies to address drug-related problems in their communities. Training sessions addressed some of the most pressing issues facing communities today – from how to prevent prescription drug

abuse and marijuana use among youth to how to reduce tobacco use and underage drinking.

The coalition also met with Congressman Pete Olson, and staff members of Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz during the CADCA Forum’s Capitol Hill Day event on Wednesday, Feb. 4 to discuss effective ways to reduce substance use and abuse, and the importance of community-based prevention. Members also thanked Congressman Olson for being a cosponsor of the Preventing Abuse of Cough Treatments Act of 2014 or the PACT Act. FBCPC serves a vital role in protecting the health and welfare of people who reside and work within Fort Bend Independent School District’s service area as members are dedicated to identifying and addressing issues in the community that are contributing to substance use among youth and young adults.

The coalition promotes coordination and collaboration among local organizations (including FBISD and post-secondary schools, law enforcement, prevention and treatment providers, businesses and others) and residents to make the greatest impact in the community.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

IACAN releases SAHNA Report, Receives praise for pioneering work Continued from Page 1

Banerjee informed that there were two distinctive Health Department in the City of Houston, which not many people are aware of. She said that her Department was looking to work closely with IACAN and also support it in its efforts.

SAHNA project.

The results from SAHNA study, she said, “Will ultimately be useful in developing culturally appropriate educational and intervention programs to reduce cancer and chronic disease risk in our community.”

The rapid growth of the Asian Indian community and lack of health information were among the primary factors that initiated the study. As Kabad put it, it was becoming increasingly important to understand the health behaviors and cancer risk factors.

Dr. Hardeep Singh MD. M.P.H, Chief of Health Policy, Baylor College Of Medicine, Director of Houston VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, is also the recent recipient of the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. He gave an overview of the SAHNA report with his PP presentation, “Moving Research into Action: What I Learned from the SAHNA Survey’ where he explained the problem areas and gave his recommendations which he called ‘Take home messages’ Let’s Get Moving on Lifestyle, Let’s Engage More in Health Conversations and Let’s Be More Proactive in Our Health Care.

IACAN partnered with researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to conduct the SAHNA project and deliberated for almost four years reviewing literature, conducting focus groups and key informant interviews before embarking on the survey.

Releasing the SAHNA report, Consul General P Harish said that he was glad to be present at the inaugural of the survey last year and now, a year later for its release. Commending the work of the IACAN and MD Anderson research team he said that as much as it is not ‘statistically vigorous’ which is expected in a self-presented data, (as compared to what it would have been when it is controlled) the report is very important because it is first attempt and it reports fascinating details. “It’s more like an anthropological study, more of sociological study, how do Indians behave when they are in a different environment how do Indians change their lifestyle and eating habits here in the United States.”

The Consul General pointed out some interesting findings concerning stress which was lower among men than women. “There must be something good about Houston,” he humored. He also pointed that the finding showed a spike in consumption of alcohol by women in childbearing age and observed that it would not be the same in the population in India. Mr. Harish also pointed out that the 3.4 million Indian Americans who are US citizens (another million with various visa status in US) they form a ‘specific community’ with anywhere between 70-90 thousand medical professionals who were educated in India. Here in the US these professionals are in remote places like Nebraska where the population is scarce with merely 100 people.

“I find there are three to four Indian American physicians. It is a great resource butit is also a loss of their expertise to India for a country that has one physician for 2200 people. We can certainly do with medical professionals for our population, yet we look at the large presence of Indian American physicians in US a resource to provide solutions to some of the public health and one such is SAHNA.” Honored guest, Dr. Lewis E.

Dr. Beverly Gor, EdD, RD, LD Staff Analyst, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research for Effectiveness, Department of Health and Human Services, City of Houston presented the SAHNA findings and later the Speakers took questions on the Report from the audience after which they were served refreshments.

A section of the audience at the India House.

Kabad thanked Dr. Gor and recognized the work of Dr. Mala Pande, MD Anderson researchers, IACAN members, volunteers who were all an integral part of the project.

All members were given a copy of the report. Lakshmi Naik, MA, LCSW, Board Member of IACAN, was the emcee for the event and Dr. VK Doria gave vote of thanks and his closing remarks.

The project’s goal was to collect self-reported health data from at least 1500 Asian Indians living in Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties using a survey that had been tailored to the local Asian Indian community and provided in English and Hindi.

Panelists during the Q & A session Foxhall MD, Vice President for Health Policy and Professor, Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center in his remark said, “This is critically valuable information that was not available to us before. So we really need to pay attention on how to use the finding to fulfill the mission of organization (IACAN) and MD Anderson.”

Dr. Foxhall further stressed that, “It is incumbent upon us to take the learning of this survey and turn them into action so the idea we are able to un-

derstand what the risks are to the community, what things we can so to avoid the problems, and move upstream in cancer prevention and control.” Not getting cancer in the first place should be the focus he said.

Dr. Umair A Shah, MD, PhD, Executive Director, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) in his congratulatory message said that the Report was a “Fantastic assessment and survey tool for what really is about South Asian health that is unique, that is different

that needs to be in some ways brought awareness to.” Shah is the first Indian American and first South Asian to head both the County and City Health Department. He reiterated Dr. Foxhall’s message said, “We guide health, but it is really imp to see how the system is set up in the community. We are also working on the social determinates of health like education, environment and the economics: the three Eeez (that are not easy) and how critical they are in how they impact health,” he said.

Dr. Deborah Banerjee, MS PhD, Bureau Chief, Director’s Office, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research for Effectiveness (OPERE), Department of Health and Human Services, City of Houston in her remarks said, Ten years ago, Dr. Beverly Gor mentioned that we need to do an assessment to put in place a policy for treatment.” and SAHNA was the result of that initial thought. “The survey is just the beginning of many different projects,” she said and it with this data would help in making policy changes and evidence based programs. Dr.

The participants are Asian India adult, 18 years and older, live in Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria or Galveston counties, able to read and understand English or Hindi. Only 1 member per household was included to get the entire community’s perspective. Details on how SAHNA was carried out is available on the IACAN website www. iacannetwork.org Kabad said that the results from the SAHNA study will ultimately be useful in developing culturally appropriate educational and intervention programs to reduce cancer and chronic disease risk in our community. And for the total number of 1000 volunteer hours that were expended, it was all worth it.

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

DHS Extends Eligibility for Employ- Indian American Ravi Chaudhary ment Authorization to Certain H-4 appointed to key post in FAA Dependent Spouses of H-1B Nonimmigrants Seeking EmploymentBased Lawful Permanent Residence

W

W

ASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez announced today that, effective May 26, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who are seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.

DHS amended the regulations to allow these H-4 dependent spouses to accept employment in the United States.

Finalizing the H-4 employment eligibility was an important element of the immigration executive actions President Obama announced in November 2014. Extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants is one of several initiatives underway to modernize, improve and clarify visa programs to grow the U.S. economy and create jobs.

“Allowing the spouses of these visa holders to legally work in the United States makes perfect sense,” Rodríguez said.

“It helps U.S. businesses keep their highly skilled workers by increasing the chances these workers will choose to stay in this country during the transition from temporary workers to permanent residents. It also provides more economic stability and better quality of life for the affected families.”

ASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2015 - An Indian American has been appointed to a key position in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Eligible individuals include certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who: Are the principal beneficiaries of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; or Have been granted H-1B status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. The Act permits H-1B nonimmigrants seeking lawful permanent residence to work and remain in the United States beyond the six-year limit on their H-1B status.

DHS expects this change will reduce the economic burdens and personal stresses H-1B nonimmigrants and their families may experience during the transition from nonimmigrant to lawful permanent resident status, and facilitate their integration into American society.

As such, the change should reduce certain disincentives that currently lead H-1B nonimmigrants to abandon efforts to remain in the United States while seeking lawful permanent residence, which will minimize disruptions to U.S. businesses employing them. The change should also support the U.S. economy because the contributions H-1B nonimmigrants make to entrepreneurship and science help promote economic growth and job creation. The rule also will bring U.S. immigration policies more in line

with those laws of other countries that compete to attract similar highly skilled workers.

Under the rule, eligible H-4 dependent spouses must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with supporting evidence and the required $380 fee in order to obtain employment authorization and receive a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD). USCIS will begin accepting applications on May 26, 2015. Once USCIS approves the Form I-765 and the H-4 dependent spouse receives an EAD, he or she may begin working in the United States.

USCIS estimates the number of individuals eligible to apply for employment authorization under this rule could be as high as 179,600 in the first year and 55,000 annually in subsequent years. USCIS reminds those potentially eligible that this rule is not considered effective until May 26, 2015. Individuals should not submit an application to USCIS before the effective date, and should avoid anyone who offers to assist in submitting an application to USCIS before the effective date.

For more information on USCIS and its programs or about this rule and filing procedures, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Facebook (/uscis), Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

The Yogi Who Made Hot Yoga Cool is In Hot Water Six women have accused Bikram Choudhury of sexual assault

by Thomas Harlander Los Angeles Magazine Feb. 24, 2015

B

ikram Choudhury calls himself the “most respected living Yoga Guru in the world.”

Six women who attended his intensive, week-long teacher trainings call him a rapist.

Court hearings for allegations brought two years ago against the Los Angeles-based yogi were finally scheduled

this week. According to the New York Times, the first of six lawsuits accusing Choudhury of rape or assault will be heard in August, and the other cases are moving forward, though no trail dates have been set. A statement issued by Choudhury’s lawyers denies the allegations, stating, “Mr. Choudhury did not sexually assault any of the plaintiffs.” His lawyers note that, for lack of evidence, Choudhury currently faces no charges.

Choudhury’s particular brand of yoga involves 26 postures that are performed in a studio or “Torture Chamber” (seriously) kept strictly at 105 °F and 40% humidity. Although some Bikram studios are now severing ties in attempts to dissociate themselves from their speedo-clad figurehead, many others remain loyal to the 69year-old’s brand. And the mood at Choudhury’s headquarters on Olympic is seemingly Zen. An employee today told us that “everything is good.”

Ravi Chaudhary has been made in charge of oversight and execution of aviation operations in nine different regions.

A former Air Force officer, Chaudhary in his capacity as Executive Director for Regions and Center Operations at FAA is also responsible for executing a USD 288 million operating budget and leads over 2,100 Federal Employees in nine nationwide region.

As second in command to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for ARC, he is also responsible for providing Department of

Transportation and FAA-wide services in the areas of operations, safety, policy, corporate and congressional outreach, emergency readiness, facilities management, besides centralised support for the National Aerospace System, a media release said.

Earlier, Chaudhary completed 21 years of service at the Air Force District of Washington, Andrews Air Force Base.

He is a C-17 Pilot and has completed a variety of command, operational, engineering, and senior staff assignments in the Air Force.

He has also served at the Pentagon as a Speechwriter and Strategic Planner in the Secretary of the Air Force Executive Action Group and Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Strategic

Plans and Programs.

On May 6, 2014, Chaudhary was appointed by US President Barack Obama as a member of the President’s Advisor Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

In this role, he advises the President on executive branch efforts to improve economic and community development, public and private sector collaboration, health, education and veterans support for the AAPI community.

Chaudhary holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Academy, MA in Operational Arts and Science from Air University, and an MS in Industrial Engineering from St Mary’s University as a NASA graduate fellow. (PTI).

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE COMMUNITY NEWS www.voiceofasiaonline.com

10 Indian-Americans elected to US engineering academy

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OUSTON: Ten Indian-Americans are among the 67 new members and 12 foreign associates elected to America’s prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for their pioneering works in the field of technology.

Election to the NAE is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to American engineers.

Academy membership honours those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practise, or education, and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in tradi-

tional fields of engineering.

The Indian-Americans include Hari Balakrishnan, professor of computer science, Anantha Chandrakasan professor of Electrical Engineering and head, department of electrical engineering and comp science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sangeeta Bhatia, investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Deepakraj M Divan, president, chief technical officer, Varentec Inc. Others include Supratik Guha, director of physical sciences, IBM Corp, Samir Mitragotri, director, Center for Bioengineering, Santosh K Das, retired vice president, Polymer Technologies Inc., Guruswami

Ravichandran, Junior Professor of Aerospace, Junuthula N Reddy, distinguished professor, Ajit P Yoganathan, Regents’ Professor.

Founded in 1964, the US National Academy of Engineering is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation.

Its mission is to advance the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshalling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

SanSkaar aims to enhance creativity, cultural values through skilled training

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OUSTON – Businessman and philanthropist Ramesh Bhutada and Sugar Land Mayor Pro Tem Harish Jajoo on Sunday inaugurated a novel educational project to enhance creativity, positive skill and cultural values among children and young adults.

dance elements.

Hindi teacher Sangita Bhagwan Bhutada is the “Limca World Record” holder. She has a Master’s degree in Arts ,a computer diploma and Montessori teacher training certification. She has written more than 10 books on various subjects.

Sangita has done a special Hindi DBHPS course and she has been a Hindi teacher, teaching for decade. Sangita Bhutada has been affiliated with the International Hindi Association (IHA) and took workshops “how to make Hindi easy with day to day use” during National Hindi Convention.

Dubbed as SanSkaar, the project will focus on four areas – arts & craft, dance, Hindi language and Yoga. Classes will be held every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at 4023 WestHollow Parkway, Houston TX 77082 and will be taught by highly qualified and talented teachers.

Students will have the option to enroll in one or more classes each of which will be 45 minutes.

Non – profit Organization President Arun Mundra who has run many social initiative for positive impact to society like Uttaranchal flood help, Co-organization Crime prevention, Hindi Convention, Makar sakranti , Janmashthmi celebration; summed up the inspiration behind the SanSkaar project:

Yoga teacher Sushma Vijay Pallod is a well-known yoga trainer in Houston. She has been teaching Yoga for the last 12 years. She is a certified yoga teacher. Sushma Pallod has been affiliated with various community organizations. Along with training lessons, she also conveys benefits of Yoga and when and how it is helpful.

SanSkaar Class Trainer and Admin: Ruchi , Namrata, Sangita, Sushma, Deepti, Deepali , Meeta

Project administrator Ruchi is an MBA and is passionate for working in an institute like SanSkaar, and guide parents and children in getting their desired training in order to become successful managers. Trusha Ashish Chandak is volunteering for website creation and helped non-profit organization to develop the wonderful website www.SanSkaarKids.com.

Na ho kisi bhi vyakti ke jeevan mein acche mulyon ka Andhkaar “Achhi Kala , Udhyog, Nritya , Hindi aur Yoga ke dhani gyan se, milen acchee SanSkaar” It means: “No one should have darkness in life, no one should deprive of positive values in life; By learning Dance, Art-Craft & Hindi, Yoga young minds get SanSkaar (positive skill value).”

Ramesh Bhutada lauded the volunteer spirit of organizers and passionate teachers to share with community their knowledge and expertise. He also showed extreme happiness, of best usage of this excellent centrally located facility in Houston which their family has given practically FREE lease for SanSkaar classes.

Harish Jajoo also congratulated the SanSkaar team for their novel efforts and promised to visit them again to celebrate their positive progress.

The project met an initial success with over 50 registrations on the day of inauguration. Organizers expect that the seats will be filled fast when the classes begin on March 1. They advised the students and parents to register early as the seats are limited and taken benefit of 50% off first month.

Bhagwan Bhutada, the program coordinator, is excited that the SanSkaar classes will soon draw the attention of the

SanSkaar team Pavan, Sanjay , Srikanth, Bhagwan , Arun along with Inaugurators : Houstonian Ramesh ji Bhutada , Pro Tem Mayor Councilman Harish ji Jajoo , Deepti, Sangita , Deeplai, Namrata, Trusha and Meeta. community. He said the fee structure is attractive with $55 for one class and $5 discount for each of subsequent classes. Siblings will get $10 discount. Moreover a 50 percent discount is offered in the first month of operation for limited time. The Classes are for ages four and up.

Besides a novel idea, the project’s biggest asset is its pool of qualified expert trainers’ more voluntary efforts.

The team consists of Meeta Arun Mundra, Deepti Sanjay Biyani, Sangita Bhagwan Bhutada, Namrata Srikanth Sharda, Sushma Vijay Pallod, Deepali Pavan Ladha, Trusha Ashish Chandak, Ruchi Nikunj Tibdelwal and Shradha Rishi Bhutada .

Art teacher Deepti belongs

to an artist family iand has a Master’s degree in Fine Arts with focus on painting and drawing. She is trained in clay modeling, fabric painting, Tanjore painting & stained glass. Deepali (art) has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts, with specializations in animation, graphic design and oil painting. Deepali specialized in drawing, painting and in using these skills in teaching children. She pursued a Child Development Associate (CDA) from a US college. Deepali has been teaching school children for decade and is skilled in the art of connecting with small kids.

Dance trainer Namrata Srikanth Sharda has been training kids as well as adults in Bollywood dances as well as

folk and contemporary dance styles for many years. She has done instructor training from a dance institute. She is an expert in using movements,

gestures and body language to portray dance routines. Besides a particular dance style, kids also learn the basics of dance starting from simple to advance

Sari Sapne Sapna Boutique Holiday Arrivals

Arun Mundra thanked all community leaders & supporters across world for their support including Indian Minister Kiran Maheshwari & MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Bhagwaan Bhutada conveyed that his better half Sangita has led this kind of classes in past, in India earlier when she was youth coordinator in nonprofit organization which shows proven track record of this project. Initiated by non- profit organization with an objective to nurture good SanSkaars among young minds. For more inquiry contact Ruchi 832-570-0331 or email: KidsSanSkaar@gmail. com

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Plenary Address to the Indian Science Congress in Mumbai, by Dr. Krishna Dronamraju, January 2015

B

iodiversity of our planet consists of the sum total of all life, including all species of plants, animals including humans, and various microorganisms, and microscopic life and all biota in their total genomic variants.

Certain areas of planet earth are designated as Biodiversity “hot spots” - 35 areas qualify as hotspots. They represent just 2.3% of Earth’s land surface,but they support more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place else — and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics. A hot spot is irreplaceable.

It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened. Biodiversity hotspots are areas that support natural ecosystems that are largely intact and where native species and communities associated with these ecosystems are well represented. They are also areas with a high diversity of locally endemic species, which are species that are not found or are rarely found outside the hotspot.The current, planned or potential management activities in hotspots place the natural values at risk, and it is likely this risk will increase in the future in the absence of active conservation management.

Because the natural values of hotspots are largely intact, undertaking action now to maintain these values has the potential to provide value-for-money in contributing to our efforts in biodiversity conservation.

Megadiverse countries Seventeen countries have been described as being ‘megadiverse’. This group of countries has less than 10% of the global surface, but support more than 70% of the biological diversity on earth. The concept was first developed by Russell Mittermeier in 1988, as a way to prioritise conservation action. Based on an analysis of primate conservation

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Councilman Harish Jajoo Re-election Quest

O

n Wednesday, February 18, 2015 City of Sugar Land Councilman Hon. Harish Jajoo announced his re-election quest for the third term at Fort bend Chamber of Commerce in Sugar Land. This formal announcement took place in presence of elected officials of cities and county, community leaders as well as a large contingent of supporters and volunteers. Jajoo Campaign Treasurer Kolbe Curtice introduced Councilman Jajoo to the lively group of attendees. Councilman Jajoo reassured his commitment to fiscally conservative policies on budget and spending and focus on public safety, robust infrastructure and ensuring quality of life in Sugar Land. The spirited gathering was a testament to service to people and community by Councilman Harish

City of Sugar Land Councilman Hon. Harish Jajoo noteworthy. This year Councilman Jajoo serves as Mayor Pro-Tem of City of Sugar Land.

He is a current fellow of Amer-

Commissioners (TAMCC). Despite his busy schedule Councilman Jajoo has remained committed to his passion of

Dr. Dronamraju honored at the Science Congress by Mr. Hem Pande, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, Government of India. priorities, 17 countries being identified, representing more than two-thirds of all (known) life forms and the majority of tropical rainforests, coral reefs and other priority systems. The results of the assessment were published in the Megadiversity: Earth’s biologically wealthiest nations. They are: Australia, The Congo, Madagascar, South Africa, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philipplines, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, United States, Venezuela.

Biodiversity Research Programme The Biodiversity Research Program uses remote sensing observations and models to improve our understanding of biodiversity within the Earth system and its effects on the Earth system, exploring patterns of biodiversity extant upon the land and within the water using observations from satellites, airborne and seaborne platforms, and in situ surveys. These are ideally suit-

ed for detecting many of biodiversity’s patterns, especially at the ecosystem level, but also at finer levels such as species and communities. It is important to understand the geophysical and ecological processes that result in the patterns of biodiversity our observations detect. Understanding these processes takes observations, although some of these observations may be at finer spatial scales than available from satellites. It also requires models; essentially simplified representations of our knowledge of how certain systems work that in turn allow us to test the validity of this knowledge. Process-oriented research offers the additional benefit of connecting the Biodiversity program to the activities of other Earth Science programs, such as efforts to track the biogeochemical cycling of important elements like carbon or studies of the water cycle.

The following questions are important: What drives the diversity of life on Earth? How is this biodiversity changing

Councilman Harish Jajoo with his supporters at event.

Jajoo.

Over the last many years Councilman Jajoo has made himself available in different forums to receive input and hear the feedback of constituents. His ability to connect with cross section of constituency is and why? What are the effects of biodiversity on other components of the Earth system?

Why do organisms and ecosystems exist where they do?

What are the consequences of land cover and land use change for human societies and the sustainability of ecosystems?

ican Leadership Forum (ALF), President of Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 14 – an organization of elected officials engaged in furthering the ideals of public service. Recently he was elected as First Vice President of Texas Association of Mayors, Council Members and

service to the community.

What are the consequences of climate change and increased human activities for coastal regions? How will carbon cycle dynamics and terrestrial and marine ecosystems change in the future?

Dr. Dronamraju is President of the Foundation for Genetic Research, Houston, and Visiting Professor of the University of Paris. He is a former advisor to the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Washington,D.C.

As Councilman Jajoo is gearing up for upcoming election, he is seeking support of all. Please feel free to contact Councilman at Harish@HarishJajoo.com.

Also visit his website at www.

HarishJajooforSugarLand.com.

12th Annual India House Gala Unity In Diversity

Saturday, March 21, 2015 6:30 pm to Midnight

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VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

" ĘĆ ǤeĘĆéÃè Thursday, March 5th 2015

VOICE OF ASIA 11

LIFESTYLE

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 9 Friday, February 27, 2015 Section 2 Page 11

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

In Japan, robot dogs are for life -- and death -- politely -- told dedicated and loving owners that they were on their own.

FUN, a company that employs former Sony engineers, who fixed her machine in two months.

For Hideko Mori, 70, that nearly spelled disaster.

“I was so happy to see him back to health and at home,” she said.

- ‘Beautiful noise’ Mori has had her AIBO for around eight years. She enjoys the conversations she has with it, and thinks it far more convenient than a real puppy.

“He doesn’t require feeding and he doesn’t pee... actually he does pee by cocking his leg, making an indescribably beautiful tinkling sound.”

But, she said, nothing actually comes out.

“I never thought there was a limit to his life.”

But in May last year her beloved

Hiroshi Funabashi, 61, who supervises repairs at A FUN, said troubled AIBO owners think of him more as a doctor than an engineer.

“The word ‘repair’ doesn’t fit here,” he told AFP at his home in Kasama, north of Tokyo. Scattered around him are dozens of AIBOs sent in with problems owners typically describe as “aching joints”.

“For those who keep AIBOs, they are nothing like home appliances.

It’s obvious they think their (robotic pet) is a family member,” he said.

Funabashi says he does not en-

Hideko Mori (L) and her sister Yasuko watch their robot pet AIBO playing at Hideko’s home in Tokyo (AFP Photo/Toshifumi Kitamura)

by Miwa SUZUKI

I

ncense smoke wafts through the cold air of the centuriesold Buddhist temple as a priest chants a sutra, praying for the peaceful transition of the souls of the departed.

It is a funeral like any other in Japan. Except that those being honoured are robot dogs, lined up on the altar, each wearing a tag to show where they came from and which family they belonged to.

The devices are “AIBOs”, the world’s first home-use entertainment

robot equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and capable of developing its own personality.

“I believe owners feel they have souls as long as they are with them,” said Nobuyuki Narimatsu, 59, who heads an electronics repair company specialising in fixing vintage products.

Sony rolled out the first-generation AIBO in June 1999, with the initial batch of 3,000 selling out in just 20 minutes, despite the hefty 250,000 yen (more than $2,000) price tag.

Over the following years, more

than 150,000 units were sold, in numerous iterations, ranging from gleaning metallic-silver versions to round-faced cub-like models.

The dog came with an array of sensors, a camera and microphone. The final generation could even talk.

Kofuku-ji temple chief priest Bungen Oi (R) offers a prayer during the funeral for 19 Sony’s pet robot AIBOs, in Isumi, Japan’s Chiba prefecture (AFP Photo/ Toshifumi Kitamura)

By 2006, Sony was in trouble; its business model was broken and it was facing fierce competition from rivals in all fields. The AIBO, an expensive and somewhat frivolous luxury, had to go.

AIBO, whose name is simply “Aibo”, became immobile.

hance the functions of aged AIBOs, but tries to restore them to health.

“I e-mailed a former Sony worker (on behalf of the dog), saying: ‘Do I have no choice but to die like this because I can’t walk?’,” she said.

The problem is that repairs can take weeks or even months because of a shortage of spare parts. Dozens of AIBOs are now “hospitalised”, with more than 180 on the waiting list.

The company kept its “AIBO Clinic” open until March 2014, but then

The engineer introduced her to A

A bionic hand in many ways as good as a graft

by Christophe SCHMIDT

E

uropean surgeons and engineers have devised a mindcontrolled bionic hand that restores function almost as well as a flesh-and-blood transplant, but without the risk of rejection, a research paper said Wednesday.

The three Austrian beneficiaries of the unprecedented technique had suffered injuries in car and climbing accidents to the “brachial plexus” -a network of nerves running from the spine to the upper limbs.

This type of injury is like a sort of “inner amputation,” irreversibly separating the hand from neural signals, said the study published in The Lancet medical journal.

The three patients received their futuristic robot appendages in surgeries between April 2011 and May 2014.

“For the first time since their accidents all three men were able to accomplish various everyday tasks such as picking up a ball, pouring water from a jug, using a key, cutting food with a knife or using two hands to undo buttons,” said a statement from The Lancet.

Oskar Aszmann of the Medical University of Vienna, who invented the technique, said it was in some ways less risky than a donor hand transplant, which requires the use of

The only source of genuine parts are “dead” robots, who become donors for organ transplantation, but only once the proper respects have been paid.

strong immunosuppressant drugs that can cause serious health problems.

Bungen Oi, a priest at the 450year-old Kofukuji temple in Isumi, east of Tokyo, says the AIBO service last month was an occasion on which the robots’ souls could pass from their bodies.

- ‘Not flesh and blood’ In the case of a single hand lost, “I think the benefits sway towards the prosthetic reconstruction, because it doesn’t have any side-effects and the quality of hand function being restored with the prosthesis is almost as good of that of a hand transplant,” the surgeon told AFP. “Yes, we don’t have sensibility (feeling)” with a bionic hand, he conceded. “It is not flesh and blood, it’s just plastic and componentry, but if you just look at it from a functional point of view, I think a prosthetic hand today can hold up to a hand transplant.”

Cases where both hands are lost, however, are “still the domain of hand transplantation because of the loss of sensibility and the fact that you need to put on a prosthesis with another hand.”

The team’s major achievement, said the statement, had been to allow neuronal signals to stimulate the robot hand equipped with sensors that respond to electrical impulses in the muscles.

“Existing surgical techniques for such injuries are crude and ineffective and result in poor hand function,” said Aszmann.

- Organ donors -

“I was thrilled over the interesting mismatch of giving cutting-edge technology a memorial service in a very conventional manner,” he said.

It is a mismatch that humans will probably become more used to over the coming years and decades, as robots with “personalities” become ever more part of our lives.

Later this year, Japanese telecoms giant Softbank says it is going to start selling the humanoid Pepper to the public.

Austrian patient Milorad Marinkovic shows his bionic hand on February 24, 2015 in Vienna (AFP Photo/Dieter Nagl) For their method, the team grafted muscle tissue taken from the thigh to the patients’ forearms, and added nerves taken from elsewhere.

The prosthesis costs about 15,000 euros ($17,000) and the surgery and rehabilitation about the same, said Aszmann.

Before having their useless hands selectively amputated, the patients underwent nine months of training to activate the grafted muscle, and then learned to use the electrical signals to control a virtual hand.

“Some patients, in the end, will not be candidates for bionic reconstruction, either because there are not sufficient nerves available for reconstruction or they are psychologically not fit for that, or the environment is just not OK,” he said.

Once they mastered that, they practiced with a prosthetic hand attached with a splint to their non-functioning hand.

The technique has since been successfully used in at least one person born without the use of a hand.

Despite the $2,000 cost, Pepper will be useless for housework, but developers say it will learn to imitate and intuit human emotions over time.

This blurring of lines means more people could feel the kind of attachment that AIBO owners know so well, said A FUN’s Funabashi.

“I don’t know if people will develop affection (towards a new generation of robots) in five, six years’ time,” he said. “But I think we need to recognise they are not ordinary electrical devices.”

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VOICE OF ASIA 12

HEALTH, SC & RES

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Sauna-goers may live longer: study Men who regularly visited a sauna lived longer and were less likely to die of sudden heart attacks than men who did not visit as often, said a Finnish study out Monday.

three times, the more frequent sauna-goers had a 22 percent lower risk of sudden cardiac death.

In often frigid Finland, going to the sauna is a popular activity, and is believed to confer good health and relaxation.

While other studies have examined the link between better circulation and sauna use, the latest study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine looked at the link between sauna bathing and the risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, fatal cardiovascular disease and dying from any cause among a group of 2,315 middle-aged men (42 to 60 years old) from eastern Finland.

The men -- all of whom went to saunas but some more often

T h o s e who went four to seven times a week had a 63 percent lower risk than those who went once.

Similarly, coronary heart disease risk was 23 percent lower for two to three bathing sessions per week and 48 percent lower for four to

Men who regularly visited a sauna live longer and are less likely to die of sudden heart attacks than men who do not visit as often (AFP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) than others -- were tracked for a median, or midpoint, of 21 years.

Comparing the risk of sudden cardiac death among those who reported going to sauna once a week to those who went two to

seven sauna sessions per week compared to once a week, the study said.

And the risk of dying from heart disease was 27 percent lower for men who took saunas two to three times a week and 50 percent lower for men who were in the sauna four to seven times a week, again compared to those who went once per week.

When researchers looked at the risk of dying from any cause, they found sauna bathing two to three times per week was associated with a 24 percent lower risk.

Going to sauna four to seven days a week was linked to a 40 percent reduction in death risk.

Staying more than 19 minutes in the sauna also appeared more beneficial than staying less than 11 minutes in the hot, wood-paneled room.

“Further studies are warranted to establish the potential mechanism that links sauna bathing and cardiovascular health,” said the study, led by Jari Laukkanen, of the University of Eastern Finland.

Some previous studies have found saunas are linked to improved heart health, but none have proven cause and effect, or explained exactly how saunas may be helping the body.

“Although we do not know why the men who took saunas more frequently had greater longevity (whether it is the time spent in the hot room, the relaxation time, the leisure of a life that allows for more relaxation time or the camaraderie of the sauna), clearly time spent in the sauna is time well spent,” wrote JAMA Internal Medicine editor-in-chief Rita Redberg of the University of California, San Francisco.

Scientists warn against complacency on Ebola vaccines

L

ondon, AFP - A team of leading international scientists on Tuesday called for new Ebola vaccines to be made available in months rather than years and warned against complacency after a reduction in infection rates.

“Despite falling infection rates in west Africa, the risk that the current Ebola outbreak

may not be brought completely under control remains,” said Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, Britain’s biggest medical charity.

“The accelerated development of candidate vaccines... is essential,” said Farrar, who co-chairs a group of 26 international experts on vaccine development.

“We may see an end to this Ebola epidemic within the year if we continue with the current remarkable efforts, but we must not be complacent about the inevitable future epidemics of Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases,” he said.

The group was set up in November 2014 by the Wellcome Trust and the University of

Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy to monitor global efforts on the challenge of developing vaccines in record time.

In a new report, the group said: “The commercial vaccine manufacturing model is not a good fit for meeting needs to rapidly develop and deploy new vaccines.”

It also admitted that recent falls in infection rates in the current outbreak made clinical trials for vaccines “uncertain”, but said they should continue to allow for vaccine development in future.

It warned: “The potential for EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) to become endemic... is a real and very concerning possibility”.

The Ebola epidemic has affected mainly Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and has killed nearly 9,000 people since it began more than a year ago.

The Wellcome Trust said earlier this month that clinical trials it was funding for a new Ebola treatment in Liberia were halted by pharmaceutical company Chimerix due to a fall in new cases.

Pill taken before, after sex may prevent HIV: study

L

OS ANGELES, AFP | 2/24/2015 - An HIV prevention pill taken by gay men before and after sex reduced the risk of virus transmission by 86 percent, according to the results of a clinical trial released Tuesday.

Truvada contains HIV treatment drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine, and is made by Gilead Sciences in California. In the study Truvada was taken up to one day before sex and the two days after.

The study, led by the French National HIV research agency ANRS, was presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Seattle.

Until now, Truvada as a preventive measure has been prescribed only as a once-a-day regimen, not one that could be effective if taken around the time of sex.

While the latest evidence on the technique known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is not enough to change guidelines, it was welcomed as a novel approach to HIV prevention.

The study “provides the first evidence that an event-driven regimen is effective among highrisk MSM (men who have sex with men) with frequent sex,” said Jonathan Mermin, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for HIV/AIDS. Truvada was approved in 2012 by the US Food and Drug Administration as the first daily pill to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus in some high-risk groups.

- Three pills The latest trial, called IPERGAY, was a randomized, placebo-controlled study that began in February 2012 and was halted in October 2014 when an independent data safety review board found it had a high rate of effectiveness.

A total of 400 participants were enrolled.

Those in the trial were considered to be at high-risk of acquiring HIV because they were having sex an average of 10 times per month, and with eight partners every two months.

Some participants took a placebo, while others took Truvada two to 24 hours before sex, then again 24 and 48 hours later.

The research team “reported that PrEP reduced HIV risk among the MSM who were prescribed this regimen by an average of 86 percent,” according to a statement.

Previous research on Truvada to prevent HIV has found that those who took it regularly could lower their risk of getting HIV by as much as 92 percent.

Most of the men in the study were taking Truvada four days a week, and it remains to be seen if the regimen would be as effective among men having sex less frequently.

Mermin cautioned that it remains unknown whether Truvada taken only in the hours before sex and the two days afterward could work in heterosexual men and women, or injection drug users, or

outside a tightly controlled trial.

“CDC continues to recommend only daily use of PrEP, as approved

by the FDA,” Mermin said.

“Daily, oral PrEP is recom-

mended by CDC as an option for men who have sex with men, het-

erosexual men and women, and injection drug users.”

CULTURE

VOICE OF ASIA 13

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Chinmaya Mission Houston Celebrates Mahasivaratri

by Rajesh Thatte

meditation is the most joyous part of celebration that brings bliss and peace to devotees by calming their mind. Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayanand said, “process of constructive destruction is Siva, the annihilator. This Siva-Ratri is the destruction of the ego in the discovery of the Self”.

I

f you are wondering if devotion and dedication can overcome tough situation, look no further than Chinmaya Mission Houston’s (CMH) celebration of Mahasivaratri on February 17. In spite of cold weather, thousands of devotees attended Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya to experience bliss, offer their prayers to Lord Siva and to receive His blessings.

Chinmaya Mission Houston started the celebration on Sunday February 15th with Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa. Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa is performed for good health and well-being of everyone. Homa was performed in main Smrti hall in two sessions. Sri Sriganesh Sathyanarayana, priest of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya led Homa on stage with Acharya Gaurang uncle and Acharya Darshana auntie. Each family was provided with all the necessary items required to participate in Homa. As a part of Homa, Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra was chanted 108 times. The chanting of

The entire celebration was organized to perfection. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers helped in organizing the event, from helping in kitchen, preparing food, decoration, audio or parking. It is the devotion of devotees that promotes dedication of volunteers. In spite of cold weather, many volunteers worked throughout two day event to bring most joyful experience to Houston community. The continuous flow of thousands of devotees visiting temple each year, on this day is testimony to the calming and blissful experience it provides.

Chinmaya Mission Houston started the celebration on Sunday February 15th with Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa. Praying for spiritual upliftment and good health for everyone, hundreds of families chanted the Mrtyunjaya Mantra 108 times.Photo by Rajesh Thatte.

For more information on Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities visit www.chinmaya-

Devotee performing the Ksirabhiseka to the Utsava Linga. All the devotees had an opportunity to offer abhisekam with milk to the Utsava Linga. Photo by Rajesh Thatte.

Maha Mritrunjaya Mantra along with Aum Namah Shivaya Japa most certainly brings quietude to individuals. Homa was followed by Arti.

Tuesday’s main celebration started with Utsava Murti of Lord Siva’s puja performed by Sri Sriganesh ji. The basement of Saumyakasi Sivalaya was decorated to depict Kailasa, the abode of Lord Siva where devotees offered Ksirabhiseka to Siva-lingam and Lord Siva’s statue throughout the day till late night. It was very wonderful to observe families taking the

opportunity to perform Ksirabhiseka with their young children, particularly to note that many children wanted their parents to help them perform the abhiseka themselves! In morning, Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhiseka was performed in main temple.

The evening festivities involved Laghunyasa purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhiseka which involves performing continuous abhisheka (with milk) to Lord Shiva while chanting Rudra. It is the evening time when the temple is visited by highest number of devotees. At dusk the temple was glittered with thousands

In spite of cold weather, thousands of devotees attended Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya to experience bliss, offer their prayers to Lord Siva and to receive His blessings. Photo by Rajesh Thatte. of lights. As devotees waited patiently to offer Ksirabhiseka, the puja being performed in main temple was projected on two screens in courtyard. After

Ksirabhiseka, devotees were led to main temple sanctum for darsana and Prasada. After the Rudrabhiseka, everyone participated in Arti. The final hour and

half of celebration offers perfect opportunity for meditation where devotees chanted “Aum Namah Shivaya” from 10:30 PM to 11:45PM. This hour of

houston.org, www.saumyakasi. org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-9330233

Fun Festive Flamboyant - Ashirwad’s 4th Vedic Fair

A

Fun, Festive, Flamboyant VEDIC FAIR 4, will happen on Saturday Mar. 14th, 2015 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Seven Lakes High School, 9251 South Fry Road, Katy TX 77494. VEDIC FAIR is for all age groups, a complete family event and to experiencing Indian Culture.

Admission for the fair is free.

Preparations for this nonpareil Fair have started since November 2014 and in less than 3 weeks Vedic Fair promises to bring this festive entertaining cultural event to Greater Houston.

Last year’s fair attended by 2500+ Houstonians was another nonesuch fun as well as cultural event that wowed attendees starting from diorama Kool Kailash to Vedic Bazaar, presentations on India to Fun Workshops and from many varieties of Food to Stage Drama on Lord Shiva, The Mahadev.

The stage drama directed by event chair Geetha Ravula kept

audience enthralled till the end where she presented human side of Lord Shiva.

This year Ashirwad’s Creative Team {ACT} will present Gorgeous Goloka Diorama of Lord Sri Krishna’s transcendental abode decorated with 1000 peacock feathers along with live ravishing Radha Krishna and Kool Blue - Ice Krishna. Sri Gopala Krishna Pooja will be conducted by renowned priest Sriman Sudarsana Venkatesa Iyengar Swamiji.

Devotees who want to perform the pooja under the guidance of Swamiji are required to register by emailing to VEDICFAIR@ gmail.com. Ashirwad’s team has made arrangements to bring Prashad all the way from Dwaraka, Vridavan & Tirupati holy pilgrimages related to Lord Krishna in India. Prashad will be shared with visitors.

VEDIC FAIR 4 is bringing the story of Krishna - The Blue Man (7:00 to 9:00 PM), a mega play with 50 + Houston

ing traditional Indian attire and dazzling jewelry.

Vedic Fair 4 will also feature INDIA Exhibit Presentations, one stop to know Bharath (India), Cooking Competiton, “How 2 Workshops” to learn How 2 do Yoga, Meditation, Rangoli, Henna Tattoos, Indian Classical Dance, Classical Music, Dandiya, take pictures wearing various saree style &Indian Attire, wear Dhoti, live healthy with Ayurveda & Homeopathy.

You can shop & dine in Vedic Bazaar. Prime time stage show starting with Talent Showcase at 6:00 PM will feature Ashirwad’s sloka-league, performance by Abhinaya School of Performing Arts & Sri Krishna Leelas Vedic Walk by Kids.

Ganga Scene from I’m Shiva - The Mahadev Last Year’s Play. Below: Vedic Walk from last year. artists. This stage drama will feature the life story of Lord Krishna, the Hero of the epic

Mahabharata and Bhagawatam iin Hindi with summarized narration in English. Along with

action, drama, dances, values, message of Lord Krishna, the stage drama brings in fascinat-

For updates visit facebook. com/VedicFair or visit facebook event Vedic Fair 2015. HTown DO NOT miss Vedic Fair 4, one stop to relive INDIA.

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Friday, February 27, 2015

Section 2

Page 14

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

How to Protect Children Buvaneshraj Saravanan Chosen for 2015 Congress of Future Science and During a Measles Outbreak Technology Leaders in Boston, MA

H

OUSTON - Buvaneshraj Saravanan, a 11th grader at Clear Brook High School of Houston has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston, MA on June 24-26, 2015.

The Congress is an honorsonly program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Buvaneshraj Saravanan was nominated by American hero and astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Science Director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists to represent Texas based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and passion for science and technology.

During the three-day Congress, BuvaneshrajSaravanan will join students from across

the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading scientific research; be given advice from deans of the world’s top tech universities; be inspired by fellow teen science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology.

“This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, Executive Director, National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists. “Focused, bright and determined students like Buvaneshraj Saravanan are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.”

The Academy offers free services and programs to students who want to be physicians or go into medical science. Some of the services and programs the Academy plans to launch in 2014 and 2015 are online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportuni-

ties for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more.

The Academy was founded on the belief that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education plays a critical role in enabling the United States to remain the economic and technological leader of the global marketplace of the 21st century and that we must identify prospective talent at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of vital careers. Based in Washington, DC and with an office in Boston, MA, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to advances in society as scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

For more information visit www.scitechleaders.com or call 617-307-7425.

Ten Fort Bend ISD Students Qualify for USA Physics Olympiad Exam Exam is used as the basis for selection of the 20 members who will form the U.S. Team to compete in the International Competition

F

ORT BEND ISD - Ten Fort Bend ISD students, representing Clements and Dulles High Schools, have qualified to take the USA Physics Olympiad Exam. They are among approximately 400 students to advance to the competition after scoring high on the “F=ma” exam in January.

Advancing to the USA Physics Olympiad Exam Competition are: Clements High School – Hans Li, Wilbur Li, Jeffrey Zhang and Fan Zhou (Teacher: Mark Kinsey) Dulles High School Math and Science Academy – Shreyas Balaji, Brian Bell, Siddarth Guha, Rahul Kilambi, Rishiprotim Nag and Rahul Nagvekar (Teacher: Judy Matney)

Sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Institute of Physics, the USA Physics Olympiad Exam is offered each year to high school students interested in representing the U.S. at the International Physics Olympiad Competition. The exam is used as the basis for selection of the 20 members who will form the U.S. Physics Olympiad Team.

Students selected for the team will travel to the University of Maryland-College Park in May for the annual U.S. Physics Team Training Camp, which offers 10 days of intense studying, testing and problem solving. At the conclusion of the training camp, five students will be selected for the “Traveling Team.” Those students will return for three addition-

al days of intense laboratory work before competing in the International Event, a nine-day competition that welcomes preuniversity students from more than 60 nations. This year’s international competition will be held in Mumbai, India from July 5-12.

Throughout the history of the program, the U.S. team has performed extremely well in the International event. From 1986 to 2014, the U.S. Teams have brought home 52 gold medals, 37 silver medals, 29 bronze medals and 11 honorable mention awards.

Experts are calling the current outbreak an important reminder to vaccinate children fully against the disease.

“Vaccines are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children from measles and other diseases,” says Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “The measles vaccine is safe, necessary and effective.”

The AAP is offering some fast facts about measles and the measles vaccine.

• Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air or on infected surfaces. It causes rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes. In rare cases it can cause encephalitis that can lead to deafness or mental retardation. Of every 1,000 people who get measles, one or two will die.

• The AAP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend children receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at age 12-15 months, and again at four to six years old.

• It’s best to protect children with MMR vaccine as soon as they are old enough to receive it. Delaying vaccination leaves children vulnerable to measles for a longer period of time. Vaccinating on time also protects other children in the community, including infants

MeaslesVaccine. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Stuchin - Fotolia.com younger than 12 months who cannot be vaccinated and are most susceptible to serious illness, hospitalization and death due to measles.

• Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting the measles infection. Like any medicine, the vaccine is capable of causing side effects but usually these are mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site and a fever that lasts a day or two. The risk of the measles vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small.

• If you are not sure if you or your children have been fully vaccinated against measles, talk with your doctor to see if anyone in your family needs to be

• ZUMBA Fitness Class: Starts Feb 7th, Saturday 9 am to 10 am • India House Charity Clinic: Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm - By Appointments Only.

• Free Yoga Classes: Every Tuesday & Thursday from 11 am to 12 pm and Every Saturday from 10 am to 11 am.

• Free Meditation classes: Every Saturday from 11 am to 11:30 am.

• Free Immigration Consultation: Every Saturday from 1 pm to 3pm.

Preferred by appointments (Walk-ins may be rescheduled).

• Free Family Law Consultation: Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Preferred by appointments (Walk-ins may be rescheduled).

• Free Kidney Smart Classes: 4th Thursday of each month from 12 pm to 1:30 pm.

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vaccinated. There is no risk in receiving the measles vaccine if you have been immunized before. Your pediatrician is your best source of advice on vaccinations.

More information about the measles and the measles vaccine can be found by talking with your pediatrician and by visiting www.healthychildren. org.

When it comes to your children’s health, take control when and where you can. Experts agree that a great place to start is by ensuring your children receive the measles vaccine, as well as the full range of vaccines recommended by your pediatrician. Source: StatePoint

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Friday, February 27, 2015

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AR Rahman’s music band SRK hopes Budget 2015 debuts at GiMA will benefit film industry the music maestro said.

The ‘Happy New Year’ star said that the system of ratings should be improved so that creative freedom of filmmakers and artistes is not compromised

The ceremony, hosted by singer Mika Singh and actor Manish Paul, also saw performances from Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonu Nigam, Ankit Tewari and Shankar Mahadevan, among others.

‘Queen’ and ‘Ek Villain’ tied with three awards each leading the film category.Rahman won awards for best film album for ‘Highway’ and best fusion album in the non-film category for Coke Studio at MTV season three.

Singer Armaan Malik, who got popular by crooning ‘Naina’ from Sonam Kapoor’s ‘Khoobsurat’, won awards for best music debut in both the film as well as non-film category.

Shankar Mahadevan won his first award ever for devotional music.The lifetime achievement award - Classical went to Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and was presented to him by Pandit Jasraj.

A R Rahman

O

scar-winning music director A R Rahman’s band NAFS made its debut at the fifth edition of Gionee Star Global Indian Music (GiMA) Awards here.

The band was launched last month to mark Rahman’s 48th

birthday.”For me to give a platform to the next generation is my mission and this is one of the first initiatives to represent India internationally.

“The inspiration behind was Stevie Wonder. It has been my privilege to showcase NAFS at GiMA for the first time ever,”

Music legend Ustad Zakir Hussain was honoured with the global musician award, while Daler Mehndi took home the Wizcraft honour for best live performer.

There was a special act by the Music Composers Association of India (MCAI) where Nigam, Suresh Wadkar, Alka Yagnik, Shaan, Mahadevan, Sapna Mukherji and Nitin Mukesh among others paid tribute to Anandji Virji Shah who received the lifetime achievement award - Popular. PTI

Bollywood Superstar, Shahrukh Khan during a press conference launching TV show, ‘Poochega Sabse Shaana Kaun’ in Mumbai.

M

UMBAI, India February 28, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan hopes that the film industry will be taken into consideration by the Finance Minister.

“It is weird when people ask an actor about budget. Please do not ask me about it. I respect it. It is very important for our economy,” replied the 49year-old actor when asked to

It’s a wrap! Bollywood romcom ends record 1,009-week run

Romantic comedy ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ which ended a record-breaking 1,009-week run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema is one of the best-loved of all Bollywood blockbusters (AFP Photo/Indranil Mukherjee)

M

UMBAI, India | AFP | 2/19/2015 Please read in second and third paras xx Maratha xx cinema sted xx Marathi xx as sent. Here is a corrected repetition: The credits rolled for a final time on Thursday for the Bollywood classic “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” as it ended a record-breaking 1,009-week run at a cinema in Mumbai.

The romantic comedy, which translates as “The Brave-Hearted Will Take The

Bride”, first began screening at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema on October 20, 1995 when its star Shah Rukh Khan was still a relative unknown.

in November last year, screenings were moved to an earlier time and audiences dropped off, according to a report in Mumbai’s DNA newspaper.

The movie went on to become one of the best-loved of all Bollywood blockbusters and matinees at the Maratha Mandir continued to attract steady audiences, with many fans coming back again and again.

The film tells the tale of two expatriate Indians living in Britain who meet and fall in love on a trip to mainland Europe.

But after celebrations marking the 1,000-week landmark

But the young woman Simran, played by actress Kajol, is to be married to a family friend in India, an arrangement set up by her strict father.

After various plot twists in cities including London and

comment about the upcoming budget.

Read our full coverage on Union Budget “I am sure that this year’s budget will have something that will benefit our film industry... Attracting people into business is very important part of budget,” SRK told reporters during the press conference for his new TV show ‘Sabse Shana Kaun?’ on &TV. Addressing the censor board controversy, the ‘Happy New Year’ star said that the system of ratings should be improved so that creative freedom of

Paris and a few picturesque musical numbers, the pair get together and convince their families of their union, an important factor in conservative Indian society.

The nearly twenty-year run obliterated all previous records for Bollywood movies and even US President Barack Obama quoted one of its lines during a speech in India

filmmakers and artistes is not compromised.

“Some say it is freedom of expression and some say we are out in bad light. A bigger picture of censor board without differentiation should be brought in. If you have a generic rule for everything then it is going to be troubling... This discussion will continue for years but they should increase the rating system and introduce more rating,” he said.

Shah Rukh will be next seen in ‘Maneesh Sharma’s ‘Fan’ and Rahul Dholakia’s ‘Raees’.

PTI

last month.

Speaking during the 1,000week celebrations last year, Khan told of his pride at having appeared in such an iconic movie.

“It’s been 20 years for this film and I feel honoured that I was part of this film,” said the actor, who is now one of Bollywood biggest stars.

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VOICE OF ASIA 16

Friday, February 27, 2015

Section 2

Page 16

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Cholesterol no longer a concern: US experts

by Kerry SHERIDAN

M

Until now, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended that cholesterol intake be limited to 300 milligrams per day -- the amount in about one stick of butter, or two small eggs, or a 10-ounce (300 gram) steak.

The draft report, published on-

Nutrition labels are seen on food packaging on February 27, 2014 in Miami, Florida (AFP Photo/Joe Raedle) line at health.gov/dietaryguidelines, said “cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.”

The recommended changes were compiled by 14 nationally recognized nutrition, medicine and public health experts.

The guidelines do not become

official right away. Instead, they are open for a 45-day comment period and will be discussed at a public meeting in Bethesda, Maryland on March 24.

“We have seen this controversy, especially surrounding the consumption of eggs, which are very high in cholesterol yet

Genes play a role in peanut allergy, study confirms

Suspicions that genes play a part in peanut allergy were confirmed in a study (AFP Photo/Saul Loeb) major clinical and public health problem worldwide, due to its increasing prevalence, potential fatality and enormous medical and economic impact,” the study said.

“FA accounts for more than $20 billion (17.7 billion euros) in overall annual healthcare costs in the United States.”

The investigation marks a first step towards a fuller picture of genetic causes for food allergies, something that would help doctors identify children at risk.

The researchers added there could also be non-genetic factors.

Not everyone with the HLADR and HLA-DQ mutations develops peanut allergy, they found.

It could mean other culprits are epigenomes -- the chemical switches which help turn genes on and off.

While cholesterol may be getting a free pass, the saturated fat that usually accompanies it is not.

In fact, experts recommend that Americans eat less than before.

“Saturated fat is still a nutrient of concern for overconsumption, particularly for those older than the age of 50 years,” said the report.

The recommended changes show “good progress in the arena of nutrition science,” said Rebecca Solomon, director of clinical nutrition at Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital in New York.

“Hopefully, one day, we can manage or prevent food allergies in a safe, simple, effective way,” Wang said.

“We might be able to use pharmaceutical treatment, but if we can figure out whether a lifestyle, nutrition or environmental change could reduce allergies, that would be even better.”

The overarching theme of the draft guidelines was to urge Americans to eat more fruit and vegetables, and Mediterranean and vegetarian diets were recommended as healthy options.

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Epigenomes are not part of DNA but are passed on as cells divide. They can be influenced by environmental factors, such as food, tobacco smoke, toxic substances and uterine fluid.

On Monday, a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most children at high risk from peanut allergies -- determined by pre-existing eczema or egg allergy -- were protected if they ate peanuts frequently, starting within the first few months of life.

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The committee “clearly is trying to dispel the idea that cholesterol matters.”

For an average person, eating 2,000 calories per day, the new guidelines would mean the limit of saturated fat could be achieved with a few spoonfuls of butter, or a dozen eggs -- since eggs are naturally low in saturated fat -- or a sevenounce steak.

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filled with beneficial nutrients,” said Suzanne Steinbaum, preventive cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Calories from saturated fat should make up about eight percent of a person’s daily calorie intake, compared to the 2010 guidelines that advised 10 percent.

P

ARIS,| AFP, 2/24/2015 - Suspicions that genes play a part in peanut allergy were confirmed in a study Tuesday that said environmental factors may contribute to the problem.

Researchers in the United States compared the genomes of more than 1,300 children of European ancestry, most of whom had some kind of food allergy, to those of their biological parents.

The team found no genetic variants to explain allergies to eggs or cow’s milk.

They did, however, find that telltale variants in two genes, HLA-DQ and HLA-DR, located on Chromosome 6, accounted for about 20 percent of children with peanut intolerance.

“We always suspected it, but this is the first genome-wide association study that identified a genetic link,” said Xiaobin Wang, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

In the United States, about one child in 13 has a food allergy, of which the most common by far is to peanuts, according to the study published in the journal Nature Communications.

The problem ranges in scale from a lifestyle hassle to lifethreatening. Those with a severe allergy live in constant fear of accidental exposure to peanuts.

“Over the past 20 years, FA (food allergy) has grown from a relatively uncommon to a

Understanding Principal Uses of Life Insurance...Cont.

F

A warning against eating foods high in cholesterol is no longer included in the US government’s draft dietary guidelines for Americans, representing a major shift in policy, officials said Thursday.

But the 2015 version of the guidelines will no longer place an upper limit on cholesterol “because available evidence shows no appreciable relationship between consumption of dietary cholesterol and serum cholesterol,” the US Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

Tel: 713-774-5140

or the level premium plan to provide adequate funds to pay death benefits no matter when death occurs, the premiums paid in the early years of the policy under the level premium plan are more than sufficient; in fact, they are greater than required to pay the death benefit. These redundant premiums create a fund that is held in trust by the insurance company for the benefit of policy owners; that fund is the policy reserve. The policy reserve is approximately equal to the policy’s cash value.

MIAMI, AFP | 2/19/2015 ore butter, anyone?

Medical experts used to believe that eating too much cholesterol could raise the risk of heart attack and stroke by contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries.

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“We have known for many years that cholesterol levels are impacted primarily by genetics and high saturated fat intake and not by intake of dietary cholesterol. I am happy to see this evolved position.”

- Sustainable eating -

“A diet higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and lower in calories and animal-based foods is more health-promoting and is associated with less environmental impact than is the current US diet,” the report said.

Environmental groups applauded the draft’s mention of sustainability, saying such changes could help reduce global warming and food insecurity.

“The inclusion of sustainability criteria in the Dietary Guidelines’ recommendations is a huge step forward for human and planetary health,” said Kari Hamerschlag, senior program manager at Friends of the Earth.

“By recommending consumption of more plant foods and less meat, these guidelines will encourage people to lessen the huge impact of our diets on our natural resources.”

In addition to the favorable income tax treatment generally given to life insurance death benefits, cash values also receive certain tax benefits. Principal among those tax benefits is the tax deferral of cash value growth. As a result of cash value growth, a life insurance policy’s cash value can exceed the aggregate net premiums paid for the policy; the result is gain. The policy gain is shielded from income taxation until the gain is withdrawn or the policy is surrendered.

As new life insurance policies were introduced, particularly variable life insurance and variable universal life insurance, more emphasis began to be placed on the investment aspect of life insurance policies, specifically on the cash values that accumulate as premiums are paid.

The cash value that is accumulated in a life insurance policy depends, in part, on the type of life insurance purchased. (The amount of the death benefit and the age of the insured also play big roles in cash value growth.) The cash value increases as premiums are paid and interest is credited. Because the cash value growth in life insurance is tax-deferred, the accumulation tends to be more rapid than in otherwise identical accounts from which taxes are withdrawn.

The policy owner can borrow from the life insurance company up to an amount approximately equal to the policy’s cash surrender value through a policy loan at competitive interest rates, generally at any time before the policy matures. The cash surrender value is the cash value less any surrender charge imposed. The cash surrender value, while often considered synonymous with “cash value,” may not be the same depending on whether a surrender charge applies.

The policy owner can use the funds he or she borrows under a life insurance policy in any manner, such as making a down-payment on a home, financing a new car, or starting a business. (The J.C. Penney and Disney empires were started with loans from life insurance policies.)

The loan privilege is a valuable feature of permanent life insurance, but the policy owner must keep in mind that borrowing against the policy’s value reduces both the cash value and the death benefit proceeds by an amount exactly equal to the outstanding loan.

Universal life insurance policies also permit policy owners to take withdrawals from the policy’s cash value.

If withdrawals are made in an amount that is greater than the policy owner’s total premiums, the part of the withdrawal that represents policy gain (the difference between the policy’s total premium payments and its cash value) must be included in the policy owner’s income for tax purposes, and additional income tax liability can result.

For example, if a policy own-

Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com er’s total premiums for a life insurance policy amounted to $10,000 and the policy’s cash value was $12,000, the policy would have a $2,000 gain ($12,000 – $10,000 = $2,000).

If the gain is withdrawn in a cash value withdrawal or if the policy is surrendered, the $2,000 gain must be included in the policy owner’s taxable gross income.

Withdrawals, although they reduce both the death benefit and cash value on a dollar-fordollar basis, are not intended to be repaid nor do they generate loan interest.

In contrast, policy loans do not generally result in income tax liability but do incur policy loan interest. Unpaid loan interest is added to the principal amount of the outstanding loan and results in additional loan interest.

Life insurance when used in the family market is often seen as creating an estate.

“Creating an estate” refers to the use of life insurance death benefit proceeds to create capital, generally for purposes other than to pay estate taxes. For nearly 70 percent of wage earners in the United States, life insurance is the only means they have of creating an estate.

Because lower income families may not have the ability to build an estate or to make any substantial contribution toward retirement plans, life insurance becomes the only method of providing an estate for surviving family members. In addition, if the insured lives to retirement age, the policy’s cash value may provide the only income to augment Social Security benefits.

In addition to creating an estate, life insurance is also an excellent estate conservation tool for many people who have managed to accumulate substantial assets.

Specifically, life insurance death benefits can be used to pay estate taxes, thus eliminating the need for an estate to sell family assets to meet tax requirements.

Federal estate taxes may be due on any estate that exceeds the estate tax unified credit exemption equivalent.

The estate tax unified credit exemption equivalent is simply the amount of assets that a decedent may transfer estate tax free in addition to amounts transferred to an eligible spouse at his or her death. The federal estate tax is equal to a percentage of the estate value in excess of the estate tax unified credit exemption equivalent. Because estate taxes are generally due within nine months following an individual’s death, the executor of an estate with insufficient liquidity may be required to sell estate assets to pay estate taxes.

In many cases, assets are sold at far less than their market value because of the need to sell within a very short time.

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VOICE OF ASIA 17

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Friday, February 27, 2015

Section 2

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TiE Houston’s marquee event ‘Innovating Tesla tops US best car in the Oil and Gas Industry’ promises list for 2nd year opportunities for Entrepreneurs

W

ASHINGTON, | AFP | - Consumer Reports named the luxury electric Tesla S its top car for the second straight year, calling the market-shaking sedan a “technological tour de force.”

MARCH 5th, 2015

The annual top-10 ranking, based on independent road performance, reliability and crash tests, also gave top category honors to three Subaru models, a landmark sweep for the small Japanese maker.

Ram Shenoy CTO, ConocoPhillips Panelist

H

OUSTON - The TiE Houston leadership is ready for the launch of its new initiative - Energy Special Interest Group (SIG) on March 15th 2015 to strengthen entrepreneurship in the energy sector.

The March 5th marquee event on “Innovating in the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities for Entrepreneurs” will be held at the Hess club from 6-8.30 pm.

The panelists include Mario Rusev (CTO, Baker Hughes), Ram Shenoy (CTO, Conocophillips), Jim Sledzik (president, energy ventures, Houston) and Vikram Rao (ex CTO Halliburton) who will serve as

Mario Ruscev CTO, Baker Hughes Panelist the moderator. .

Entrepreneurship has always creatively destroyed the status quo and delivered innovative breakthroughs when times are tough, such as the current oil price environment. Just as the invention of horizontal drilling and the shale oil revolution, the industry is more than ever in need for game changing innovations.

The objective of the SIG is to leverage the strong technology entrepreneurship community within TIE Houston and TIE Global – spread across 67

Jim Sledzik Energy Ventures, Senior Partner & President, Houston.

Panelist chapters in 15 countries – and allow access to energy-focused entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. The SIG will connect entrepreneurs with corporate and private funding organizations, allowing the startups to secure investment, mentors, and industry specialists to further their growth & development.

This first ever event inviting C-Suite leadership in the Oil & Gas industry to discuss opportunities that exist in the energy sector, focused on those needing non-incremental solutions.

Vikram Rao Exec. Director, The Research Triangle Energy Consortium; Past Senior VP and CTO, Halliburton.

Moderator In early Fall 2015, startups with limited exposure to the energy sector will receive targeted mentor guidance and advice. Towards the end of 2015, TIECon50 applicants for the world’s largest entrepreneurial conference, TIECON, will be fielded and an energy focused entrepreneurship event ( highlevel roundtable) will follow in Houston in September 2015.

For more information visit www.houston.tie.org

But the Japanese overall won only six slots, their lowest tally since the influential consumer ratings magazine began the list 19 years ago.

Instead, three American brands -- the Tesla, the Buick Regal and the Chevrolet Impala -- held their own in the top 10.

“Detroit vehicles are breaking through in new categories,” said Mark Rechtin of Consumer Reports’ car ratings team.

“Many have come a long way in performance, technology, and improved reliability.”

“These are the cars that ignite the gasoline in our veins. That we trust. Respect. And love,” the magazine said.

“They also happen to score high in our reliability ratings and shine in automotive crash tests.”

The $80,000-plus plug-in Tesla again captured the magazine’s fancy as its overall top pick, and not just for the car’s market-beating 265 mile (426 kilometer) range without a charge.

Consumer Reports praised the ability to update the Tesla’s software over the Internet, and that the company surmounted early technical problems, including a handful of fires that started from objects on the road surface kicking into its underside battery pack.

With those problems aside, Consumer Reports lauded the Tesla S’s “magnificence and sheer technological arrogance.”

Subaru, whose all-wheeldrive models are popular with both sport driving fans and outdoorists, led three categories of the 10.

The Impreza led the compact car group as a “strong value,” and the Legacy was the best midsized sedan (it “exceeds those drab, rental-car expectations... also has the best ride among its peers”).

IACCGH Business Outreach Program with Wallis State Bank and SBA businesses.

“You can’t manage what you can’t measure” is a Peter Drucker teaching Tim strongly believes in. When he moved to Houston from Oklahoma – another “oil economy,” one of his first tasks was to see how SBA measured up. And the figures were impressive. In the last financial year alone, an average of 5.3 loans were approved per day for $2.75 million and the biggest recipients were hotels/ restaurants, retail and healthcare followed by manufacturing. Additionally, SBA’s resource partners – SBDC, WBC and SCORE counseled 9000 clients, aided 404 new businesses get off the ground and helped their clients receive about $120 million in needed finance for growth.

L-R: Vice Chairman and CEO of Wallis State Bank Asif Dakri, SBA District Director Tim Jeffcoat, IACCGH President Ashok Garg. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit

By Manu Shah

H

OUSTON: The IACCGH Business Outreach Program held at the HCC campus in Katy on 12th February facilitated an introduction between SBA’s new District Director Tim Jeffcoat and the heads of several local economic agencies as well as business owners looking for capital.

Emphasizing that local economic empowerment is a core mission at IACCGH, Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia welcomed Tim Jeffcoat, IACCGH Board members and guests. He also described the Chamber as an “inclusive one” and stated

that the organizations in the room must continue to share our “best practices” and help each other serve the community.

IACCGH President Ashok Garg spoke about the 15 year association that the organization shared with SBA and its recently retired District Director Manuel Gonzalez who was also present at the event.

SBA had first partnered with IACCGH in 2000 to share information with its members on how they can get loans but “the message was too powerful to be restricted to its members.”

Since then IACCGH has been reaching out to the community though the Business Outreach

Program on the best possible way to get a loan. Expressing the hope that IACCGH would “share the same ties of friendship” with the new District Director, President Garg invited the new District Director to address the gathering.

A graduate of Auburn University, Alabama, Tim worked at Schlumberger and other companies before joining government service about 10 years ago – a transition he described as “weird for a big corporation guy” but one he “adapted” to.

In his address, Tim drew attention to the crucial role SBA has played over the years in helping startups and established

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SBA plans to continue to

partner with AARP for “encore entrepreneurs” and intends to get involved in and support crowdfunding. It also has two new initiatives – the SBA One which streamlines the loan application process and the SBA Linc which helps you connect with prospective SBA lenders based on your business needs.

Tim also outlined some of the future plans SBA Houston is working on such as a major matchmaking event between large corporations and small businesses, periodic lending and resource fairs, entrepreneur workshops for the Houstonbased oil industry employees being laid off and a small business disaster preparation workshop He concluded his address by emphasizing that he would work to increase SBA’s pres-

ence in the community by encouraging involvement in events that affect small businesses as well as participating in more Outreach programs.

President Garg thanked the gathering for attending the event and Wallis State Bank, which has the distinction of being the largest SBA bank in the region, for underwriting the IACCGH Business Outreach Programs.

IACCGH will hold its next Business Outreach Program at 5:00 pm on May 20th at the Wallis State Bank Building.

SBA’s District Director Tim Jeffcoat will once again address the gathering on “How the US SBA Can Help Your Small Business” and its 8(a) program. For more information, visit www.iaccgh.com or email info@iaccgh.com

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of February 27, 2015

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

READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April All eyes will be on your recent accomplishments. Take advantage of this opportunity to blow your own horn a little. You are full of ideas, not to mention vim and vigor. You may surprise everyone by becoming a bit of a chatterbox. Try to confine what you say to the work at hand. Not everyone has to know your personal business.

You may be called on to supervise some people. If you are not used to being the boss, you could learn much through this experience.

You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish once you get started. It’s not easy to put anything over on you, but someone may try to do just that. It may come in the form of a secret about someone close to you. You could be a little bit gullible now, don’t necessarily believe what you hear. After all, who knows them better than you do?

You may decide to have less to do with the person who tried put something over on you.

You’ll be able to grin and bear it, whatever it turns out to be.

Scorpio (N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Good communications will continue to lead you in the discussions. You will be getting geared up to plunge into a new project. You could quickly get all the background information you need. If it isn’t work that occupies you, it may be a hunt for bargains in the house and property market. You may have a dream place in mind, but you are not going to find it without putting in some long hours of research. You may be a bit anxious about the thought of a big move, remembering past experiences.

Your positive energy will help you to meet tight deadlines. Make the atmosphere more pleasant for entertaining family and friends. You could experience a special emotional fulfillment from cooperation on the job. Your optimism is justified as some projects involving property bring great financial success. Be sure you don’t put a rotten apple in the barrel, however, just because you don’t know your own power. Screen other investors carefully and put a high value on your own abilities.

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

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June You will realize that you are very important to others plans. Whether you are preparing fine dining or simple comfort food, your past experience give you that little edge on your competition. Feel confident about your public or professional image. Though your ambition may be keen, others could be in the same frame of mind as you. If an obvious power play on someone’s part disturbs you, act as if it has nothing to do with you. It doesn’t, really.

Changes may be afoot on the home scene. Do your best to stay on an even course, plan to spend some time unwinding. In this situation, the best way to nurture yourself is to nurture others. You will be able to speak tenderly. Sharp words should not be exchanged. Someone, possibly an older relative, could express discontent with how they perceive you are handling your affairs, it’s not polite, but you may be inclined to say, “It’s none of your business”.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Experience the fact all roads you take this week will lead you to a sort of spiritual awakening. It will be clear to you, however, that the usefulness or viability of what you give up, has gone. You’ll be in the mood for romance, with someone new, someone old, or with that very special person who is always there for you. No tears or regrets, just be glad that whatever it was is now over.

An opportunity may be ‘handed’ to you but possibly some kind of failure to ‘act on it’ right away, could cause a small setback. A big project at work could keep you working after hours and your mate may not be too pleased at a break in the normal schedule.

Perhaps they may not be as adaptable as you are. Smooth things out, try not to talk about money concerns, if possible. Better days are ahead. You are sharp as a tack, but try not to be too sharp.

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

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Use the time to refresh and rejuvenate your positive energy. You will be able to get success by magnetism of your personality. Alone it could be a force to be reckoned with, however you’ll be sharp in the job arena. A long hoped for raise could come through, or at least an acknowledgement by a boss or other higher-up that you are worth more. You are also in a mood to improvise. Your spur-of-the-moment creations really fill the bill.

You’ll feel like celebrating. Open your wallet and treat yourself to something sumptuous.

Although you usually work hard, lately you’ve been very lax in matters of importaYour insights are almost ‘scary’ this week, when they are powerful and when they are ‘useful’ and could save time, money and a lot of ‘grief/work’ for yourself and/or others.

The strategic alliance with someone who may figure big in your future success. It may be a new romantic relationship, or perhaps it is business progress that is at issue. Whatever your situation, put some feeling into the encounter to show that this is not just another meeting.

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

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Need to value the instinctive powers that you possess. Sharing your enlightenment with younger people will help you to progress. Lead yourself by your extreme sensitivity to whatever environment you find yourself in. As you pick up the vibes, be sure to separate what’s real from what is simply your imagination. What is definitely true, is that your mate is eager to see you and should be in an excellent frame of mind. Give him or her your best, too. Don’t harp on small things. Isn’t it great to feel totally at ease? Your work should go well, but soon, you will be ready for a change of pace.

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The bright expectations that may turn out not to be enough true information. Like Always, relatively small matter that you would normally pass off as “things happen”.

But this one will send you to the edge. One cause may be a recent, rather impractical move on the part of your mate or partner. Though you may be tempted to pick up the phone and tell them off, you are likely to be far too busy to start World War III. Save your venting for a quieter time, when you could let the state of your checkbook tell the story.

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MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY FROM HBR.ORG Win Back Your Boss’s Trust by Showing Integrity Can you truly regain your boss’s trust once you’ve lost it? In most cases, the answer is yes. Trust is often broken if your integrity has been called into question. There are two ways to rebuild trust and show integrity. The first takes time: repeatedly demonstrate an ability to work hard and delay selfish gratification. For example, work through lunch or take on onerous or tedious tasks that need to get done, but no one else wants to do.

The second is quicker: show a willingness to sacrifice to benefit others when the stakes are high.

This could include putting off a planned vacation to meet a major need or goal of your boss’s. You have to be willing to do what others might not, so you won’t be seen as prioritizing your own needs over those of the company.

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Amazing facts ow ou from all over the WORLD! now!

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• No two corn flakes look the same

Tawdry- of little value; gaudy

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Five Top Home Improvements that Raise Your House’s Resale Value

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This year’s analysis of top midrange home improvement projects provided definite direction for homeowners: • Steel Entry Door Replacement: The 20-Gauge Steel Entry Door has consistently delivered the best return on investment for resale, holding the top spot

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From replacing your front door to adding a deck, there are many midrange improvements that won’t cost a bundle but will deliver great bang for your buck.

It’s not about spending the most money; it’s about improvements that best hold their value.

“Making your home stand out from others on your block and others on the market is achievable if you plan wisely when it comes to remodeling projects,” says Phil Wengerd, Vice President of Market Strategies at ProVia, a leading building products manufacturer. “This year’s statistics indicate that moderately priced exterior projects can significantly enhance home resale values.”

Hasten- hurry; accelerate; rush

EFFECTIVE MARKETING

efore you decide on a home improvement project, it’s a good idea to learn which ones will help raise your house’s value and recoup the most money when you decide to sell.

The experts at “Remodeling” magazine recently released their 28th annual Cost vs. Value Report, comparing construction costs with resale value for 36 of the most popular home improvement projects. When it came to midrange projects, the report found homeowners recouped the highest percentage of costs on these five improvements: steel entry door replacement, installation of manufactured stone veneer on home exteriors, garage door replacements, vinyl siding replacement, and wooden deck additions.

FRIDAY, February 27, 2015

For y onl

SECONDS!

Home Improvement Photo Source: StatePoint in the midrange product category since its debut in this report in 2009/2010. The steel entry door is the only project that, on a national basis, more than pays back its investment, typically recouping 101.8 percent.

At ProVia, for example, the company’s Legacy Steel Entry Doors are a consistent top sales performer.

• Manufactured Stone Veneer: A new project on this year’s report is the installation of manufactured stone veneer on home exteriors. This category zoomed to the top of the midrange list, grabbing second place with a 92.2 percent cost-value return.

Increased product demand for Heritage Stone is a reflection of this trend, observed by Wengerd and others.

• Garage Door Replacement: The installation of new foursection garage doors on galvanized steel tracks proved to be a valuable project with homeowners recouping 88.4 percent of their costs.

• Vinyl Siding Replacement: Replacing a home’s vinyl siding was one of a handful of projects that jumped up the list for recouping improvement costs.

So not only can new vinyl siding beautify a home, it can keep it weatherproof and enhance its resale value.

• Deck Addition: Adding a wooden deck can do more than provide a place to enjoy the great outdoors. When it comes time to sell, you should be able to pocket more than 80 percent of the cost for this improvement.

More resources on home improvement projects, along with information on entry doors, vinyl siding and manufactured stone veneer, can be found at www.proviaproducts.com/cvv.

Before you dip into your wallet, learn which home improvements will best hold their value while enhancing curb appeal.

Source: StatePoint

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