Voice of Asia Jan 17 2014

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Makar Sankranti: Kite Festival draws thousands of Indian Americans to George Bush Park

by Shobana Muratee

The “Walk for Unity”, the first of its kind, was a great success on all counts. Over 350 people along with office bearers of the leading community organizations including India Culture Center, Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Hindus of Greater Houston, Arya Samaj, Sewa International, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Naamdwar, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America, Indian Senior Citizens Association, and others who joined and walked for the unity while almost close to thousand cheering people watched from sidelines, it was reported. The GIBV registered approximately 500 volunteers for reference calling to India in support of Narendra Modi as the next prime minister of India, stated the report.

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OUSTON- It was nostalgic for thousands Indian Americans who gathered at the George Bush Park here in Houston celebrating Makar Sankaranti - Kite Festival on Sunday, January 12, 2014. Over 5000 people with families and friends came out to enjoy the warmth of a sunny day after cold spell that engulfed the country over the past weeks. The celebration was a part of a long tradition of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and Hindus of Greater Houston to host this popular festival of India during this time of the year, ushering in the goodness of spring and harvest season. This year was added the “Walk for Unity” where leading Indo-American organizations participated.

The ‘Walk’ displayed Houston’s solidarity with the ongoing “Statue of Unity” movement in India which stands for a strong and united India. “It was a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who unified India that was fragmented in over 550 princely states prior to its independence and made it into one country that is India today,” said the Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV) Coordinator, Gitesh Desai.

Colorful kites soar the skies on Sunday at the George Bush Park in Houston. Photo credit: Dhruva Rao

January 12th being the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, on the occasion was also observed the birth anniversary of the great thinker, social reformer and philosopher of India. Kichidi, the rice and lentils dish was in popular demand on that day. Organizers also set up booths for kites and string sales.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America also had their information booth.

Continued on Page 5

Dr. Renu Khator awarded Pravasi IACF forms new Executive Bharatiya Samman in India Committee for 2014

Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor, University of Houston System seen receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Award) from the President of India Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on January 9th, 2014.

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EW DELHI: Dr. Renu Khator Chancellor, University of Houston System, is among the ten prominent members of the Indian diaspora from various parts of the world, including Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter Ela Gandhi that were honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award on Thursday, January 9th,

2014.

President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the award at the 12th edition of the annual diaspora meet - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) - here.

Other awardees included Bahrain-based businessman Kurian Verghese, Canada-based entrepreneur and philanthropist

Vasdev Chanchlani and Francebased educationist Bikas Chandra Sanyal.

Two people whose names were included in the list did not attend the event, while the Ramakrishna Mission’s Fiji unit was honoured for its community service and philanthropic activities and enhancing India’s prestige abroad.

L-R: Neeta Balsaver, Treasurer; Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, President; Dr. Kamala Raghavan, Incoming President for 2015; and Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Secretary.

H

OUSTON: The Indo American Charity Foundation is starting of the New Year with several new Board members and a new Executive Committee, it was reported this past week.

The new officers for 2014 are Neeta Balsaver, Treasurer; Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, President; Dr. Kamala Raghavan, Incoming President for 2015; and

Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, Secretary.

Outgoing President Murthy Divakaruni was not available for the picture.

“We have many hands-on initiatives planned for this year in partnership with other organizations” said Cherivirala who has also served as the President of the India Culture Center in the past. “We want to build on the strengths of the past 25 years,

and are looking for people who are passionate about promoting Education, Family care, General needs , and Health care in the greater Houston area to be on our volunteer pool to help us”. As in years past, the much anticipated IACF Gala will be held in the Fall and the Golf Tournament as well as other networking events are being planned right now.

VOICE OF ASIA 2

OP-ED/OPINIONS/COMMENTARY

by Radhika Sanghani

R

acist bullying is on the rise. More than 1,400 children contacted ChildLine about it last year, up 69 per cent from 2012.

Some of the most common insults were to call Muslim children “terrorists” or “bombers”, while anyone with a poor grasp of English was a “freshie”.

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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: advertisingvoa@aol.com

Publisher’s Note Dual Responsibility Within the next few days we will be celebrating India’s 65th Republic Day. Within a short span of about 50 years almost 4 million people migrated to India. Children and grand children born in this country is not counted they are considered US Citizens.

When I look back to my story , my family arrived in New York in 1971. There were hardly few people to be seen, that too if we go to a shopping mall. That was then. Time is changed. Population has swelled to almost 4 million people of Indian origin leading a great life in the United States. My arrival was as a immigrant, therefore my first question was when I can be a citizen? Those days it was a matter of applying. My family became citizens in 1973. Without the blink of an eye most of the people did the same thing. Be a citizen first and other thing later. Did anybody in their wisdom spend a fraction of a second to think that by becoming a citizen of another country we lose our birth right for ever. I did not.

The trend does not end there. They brought their siblings and made all of them citizens. Now the next generation who are born here are all citizens. That number is not added to the 4 million we referred above.

Who are those people? They are over 50,000 engineers from the most prestigious institution in the world, Indian Institute of Technology, more than one third of all medical doctors and almost the same proportion of Indian Nurses from India who runs the Hospital systems in the country. Owners and investors of 14,000 plus hotels and motels in the U.S. Thousands of engineers, CPAs, professors are running other institutions. We are very active in the politics of the country becoming governors, congressman, state reps, and senators, Major and Cols. in the Army and city council members, secretary of state law enforcement officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys and the list goes on. They are all either a born citizen or a naturalized citizen.

When we celebrate the freedom of our mother country, we morally have a dual responsibility to join and celebrate such important days of United States. Why not we celebrate one July 4th in our Mahatma Gandhi District and join the Martin Luther King Day on January 20. It will be a declaration that we Indians are here to stay and be a part of the country. Because of Martin Luther King Jr. we are equal. Our children and grandchildren are committed for these holidays.

Now one cannot change the status and I understand nobody wants to?

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074 It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints.

- The Publisher

The figures are worrying – but that’s only when we look at classified racism. These children calling ChildLine know they are being bullied, and are taking action about it. But what about the children who aren’t sure if they are being racially bullied or not?

How do they know if the girl in Year 8 is making an un-funny joke, or is it being deliberately racist? There is a middle ground when it comes to racism when people are not malicious but say hurtful things out of ignorance, or an attempt at humour. I call it ‘unintentional racism.’

It is hard for a child to work out if they are being deliberately bullied when this happens. I know this because I have experienced it.

“You’re quite pretty Radhika...for an Indian,” was something I heard growing up at school. It was never meant maliciously; I think it was meant as a light-hearted joke designed to make me laugh with them. I didn’t really laugh, but I didn’t think of it as bullying either.

In my Greater London school it didn’t feel like bullying because multiculturalism was normal. We knew we were different from each other because of the way we looked, our skin colours and our families’ traditions. It all jumbled together and so we made fun of it in the same way we did everything else.

But for other people, unintentional racism can be much more uncomfortable. A blonde Jewish friend of mine was 14years-old when she experienced it for the first time. She was at a friend’s family barbecue when her pal’s grandfather realised she was Jewish and cried out: “But you’re too pretty to be Jewish. Where’s your big nose and beady little eyes?”

This is quite clearly racist, but as it came out of breathtaking ignorance, it made her think twice about whether it was racist or just bad taste.

Sometimes comments like these are even attempts at humour. For example, the words ‘coconut’ or ‘Bounty’ (i.e. the chocolate) which apparently describe Westernised Indians like myself – brown on the outside and white on the inside. It’s meant to be funny, but is it?

Racism versus humour fail: ‘You’re quite pretty...for an Indian girl’ With racist bullying on the rise, Radhika Sanghani draws upon her own experiences and talks to comedians about unintentional racism - when you don’t know if someone is being truly offensive or just making a bad joke. university, he “blacked up” to go on stage and made 10 jokes using the word nigger.

“I looked at how if you were to say a nigger joke at the bus stop it would be offensive, so if you do it in an environment when it’s funny, I put it out as a test to see if people would laugh,” he explains. “I told the first jokes and they all just laughed. The more I went on the more tense and painful it got in the room.”

Kulvinder Ghir and Nina Wadia in BBC’s comedy Goodness Gracious me Photo: BBC hurt someone. It’s never right to be racist in comedy. When it’s powerful, it’s when it’s done out of love and respect.

With hatred and nastiness it’s unacceptable.

“When we did Goodness Gracious Me we got the balance right. But you then end up being called an honorary Jew, like myself, or even an honorary Greek, for the mum sketch I used to do, because they could all relate to it. The idea is we find a common ground we can explore and put our cultural twist on it.”

But how do comedians know when they have gone too far?

Paul Chowdhry, whose latest DVD is called What’s happening white people? has a firm rule he follows when making fun of race and his own Indian background.

“I think anything I say on stage, I’ve got to be comfortable talking to someone about off stage,” he says. “Say a comedian is going to talk about black people, but then sees a black person in the audience and decides not to do it: that means it’s offensive. That means it’s racist. If you can talk to the person about what you’re saying, that means it’s not racist. That’s where you find the line.”

He mainly receives a positive reception for his routines, but he has also experienced unintentional racism. During his early career when he performed in comedy clubs, he was once told: “you’re really funny for a Paki”. He now says: “I couldn’t quite believe people came up to talk to me like that.”

At school in the ‘80s he was even informed, “you’re not like the others” by fellow children.

It is why he ensures every joke he makes would be acceptable for a child to repeat at school, in case they watch his acts.

Black comedian Marlon Davis has a different way of dealing with racist jokes. When he first started his career at

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That’s the issue with unintentional racism. It is the grey area between humour and hatred that no one has a magic formula to define. Wadia thinks the only way to move on is to fight racism with comedy. She jokes about her and her black friend being called ‘Pakis’ by a white man. Her friend said to him: “Oi when you insult us, at least get it right. I’m a wog.”

The racist laughed along with them.

“You do have to find a way to make the racist your point of view,” stresses Wadia. “I think comedy is the language of love and respect. When you get it right you can get your point of view across. It’s just if you do it well or not...” Courtesy: The Telegraph.

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An innocent Davis repeated the joke regularly over the years to Irish people he met, to find years later it was an incredibly offensive term for black people. “I had to question the intentions of my friend’s dad,” he says. “Was it deliberate?”

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Another of his routines would play on him being an Indian, where he jokes he used to think being ‘second generation’ was like something out of Star Trek, or when he tried to join the BNP via phone so they couldn’t see his skin colour, but was put through to a call centre in India.

Goodness Gracious Me star, Nina Wadia, says there has to be a balance between telling a joke well and hurting someone. “It’s never right to do any kind of humour that would

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His own race jokes are funny without making people uncomfortable. “I say this country is too racist to have an Obama,” he jests. “The closest to him we have is the guy in the Halifax adverts.”

Since then, he has drawn on his background in comedy, using stereotypical racial characters he has come across. But, he’s also aware of unintentional racism. As a child, he went to the pub with his best friend’s Irish father. They told him he was “one of them” and joked that if he moved to Ireland, he would become a “browned-off Paddy”.

Humour is one of the ways we deal with racial differences and it can be healthy, but it can also go too far, even in professional comedy. Frankie Boyle was accused of racism by the Daily Mirror in 2012, and though he later won damages in libel, he still comes under fire for his crude gags about disabilities, women and even the Queen.

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FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

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Friday, January 17, 2014

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Sewa Volunteer Get Together Appreciates Volunteers

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UGAR LAND - The Sewa Houston community gathered together the evening of Friday, January 10th to honor some of Sewa’s most dedicated volunteers and community partners. Volunteers are the lifeline of Sewa International, and as such, Sewa’s volunteer base is truly appreciated for their continuous support and efforts in strengthening the organization and assisting the Houston community.

Sewa, Houston Chapter President, Saroj Gupta. Photo by Shobana M.

The evening’s program was led by two of Sewa Houston’s newest members, AmeriCorps Volunteers, Alexis Angelo and Laura Frye. President Saroj Gupta began the festivities by sharing her gratitude with all of Sewa’s devoted volunteers.

AmeriCorps Volunteers: L-R Bhakti Sharma, Laura Frye, Supervisor. Kiran, Alexis Angelo and Aneel Bhimani. Photo by Shobana Muratee

Through the efforts of volunteers Sewa has expanded its four program verticals, namely: Refugee Empowerment, Family Services, Get Inspired Houston, and Sewa Local Events. Ganesh Raghu spoke about community outreach involved in the Bhutanese Refugee Empowerment program and the great success in Screen Printing classes that were established in the Los Arcos Apartments as a means for skill development. Sewa’s AmeriCorps VISTA team Aneel Bhimani, Bhakti Sharma, Laura Frye, and Alexis Angelo spoke about the expansion of Sewa’s youth programming into Alief Independent School District’s Language Institute for Newcomers program and future goals for

outreach in the Alief area. Ritesh Seal and Kunal Deshmukh reported Sewa’s successes in helping to plan the De Ghuma Ke Cricket Tournament in October 2013 which raised $15,000 for Uttarakhand flood relief. Sewa President, Saroj Gupta, and Arun Kankani Spoke about the development of the Sewa Family Services Program, which has grown tremendously in the past year and is expanding to include a Stop Diabetes Movement in 2014. Finally, Kavita Tewary spoke to the audience about Local Sewa Events and the great work that the high school volunteers have been able to accomplish in the last year, which led to Sewa being awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service

by the Mayor’s Office.

Sewa honored some of their community partners who were instrumental in Sewa’s growth over the past year. These partners included: Gujarati Samaj, Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic Program, Ibn Sina Foundation, Star Plus Dental, Alief ISD’s Language Institute for Newcomers program. Sewa also recognized Dal Bahadur Darlami, a dedicated participant in the Skill Building Program at Los Arcos Apartments. Each of these awards was presented by Sewa’s special guests: Ramesh Bhutada, Arun Verma, Surrender and Lalita Trehan, Vijay Pallod, and Subhash Gupta. The evening’s program was followed by a dinner catered by Madras Pavilion.

A section of the attendees at the Sewa event on January 10, 2014. Photo by Shobana Muratee.

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LEGAL NEWS

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FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

Indian IT ‘sleepless’ over US The People’s Lawyer immigration bill www.peopleslawyer.net

Summary: Nasscom president Som Mittal says U.S. immigration bill remains a concern among Indian tech companies and efforts should continue to urge the U.S. government to rethink its foreign worker policy.

by Eileen Yu

Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

How to get a free living will Q. I am going in for surgery and was told I should have a document stating I do not want to be kept alive by artificial means if something were to go wrong. Is there such a document? Where can I get one?

A. The document you are referring to is an Advance Directive, commonly known as a living will. This is the document you should prepare if you do not wish to be kept alive by life support, once death is imminent. Under the law, if you are suffering with a terminal condition from which you are expected to die within six months, you can direct your physician to withhold all life sustaining treatment, except what is needed to keep you comfortable. The living will is an easy to complete form, and is available for free on my website. Go to www.peopleslawyer.net, click on “Legal Topics,” and the follow the link for “Wills, living wills and powers of attorney.”

Q. My family and I live in an apartment. We pay our rent on time and are good tenants. Recently, a fire burned part of our apartment and damaged our furniture. No one seems to know what caused the fire. The landlord says he will fix the apartment but is not responsible for our property. What can we do?

A. Simply because there was a fire does not mean the landlord is legally responsible for the damage to your property. Basically, for the landlord to be responsible it will be necessary for you to show some fault on the part of management. In most cases, the basis for this fault is what the law calls “negligence.” Under the law of negligence, a landlord must take reasonable steps to maintain the apartment and must act reasonably to remedy any problem. If he does not, and your property is damaged as a result, he could be liable. For example, if there was a problem with the electrical wiring and the landlord did not properly repair it, he could be liable if a fire resulted and damaged your property. On the other hand, if the fire were caused by an act of God or some other accident outside of the control of the owner, there would be no responsibility.

Based on what you say, it does not appear the fire was caused by the owner’s negligence. Unless you can determine the cause of the fire and that it was the landlord’s fault, he has no liability. Unfortunately, you have learned too late the value of renter’s insurance. Just as a homeowner should have homeowner’s insurance to cover damage to the home, a renter should have renter’s insurance to protect against situations such as this one.

Q. I recently made a purchase at a local store and tried to pay with a one hundred dollar bill, which it refused to take. The owner said he could not accept any bills larger than a twenty. Is this legal? Aren’t all bills “legal tender”?

A. All bills are legal tender, but that does mean not a store must accept every bill in payment. Each store has a legal right to determine how it will do business, and what it will accept as payment for the items it sells. There is a much greater risk of counterfeiting with large bills, and for many small shops even providing change for a one hundred dollar bill could be difficult.

I

ndia’s IT industry remains concerned over the U.S. immigration bill and needs to keep up efforts to urge the U.S. government to rethink its foreign worker policy.

Nasscom president Som Mittal said in a PTI report the Indian government as well as local businesses had been in talks with their U.S. counterparts at all possible forums to relay their sentiments about the U.S. Border Security Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act 2013. The bill was passed by the U.S. Senate but has yet to be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Noting that India was “wellpositioned” in the immigration bill, Mittal said: “I think it has some very good provisions like increasing visas...but this is something I will not sleep with.

We still need to work and keep a watch on it.

He added that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had highlighted the issue his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama.

“This issue has also been taken up with the U.S. Secretary of State and Vice President Joe Biden, and has been discussed at various congressional levels. Businesses in the U.S. are separating us... I would still lose sleep [over the issue],” Mittal said.

created an uneven playing field.

The bill, among other measures, limits the number of temporary, foreign worker visas that a company can hold.

Mittal had argued it would impact the U.S. clients of Indian IT companies, and noted that Indians working in the U.S. contributed over US$15 billion in taxes and social security in the last five years.

of these companies’ overall revenue, according to Times of India.

The immigration bill requires companies to lower their visadependent workforce, potentially compelling Indian organizations to hire local talent in the U.S., which in turn could increase their overall costs and lower their margins.

India’s commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma also argued that the bill was “illegal” and violated World Trade Organization provisions, referring specifically to measures related to minimum salary threshold.

On its part, the U.S. government in July accused India of protectionism and told its Indian counterpart to ease its protectionist technology purchasing policies before raising any complaints about America’s new immigration bill.

Nasscom last year hired influential lobbyist, public relation and law firms to argue the case for Indian IT companies with U.S. congress representatives. Indian outsourcing giants including TCS, Infosys, and Wipro depend on foreign visas to send their employees overseas to support customers in the U.S., their biggest market, which contributes 65 percent

In October, Infosys agreed to pay US$34 million in a settlement deal with U.S. authorities, following allegations of “systemic visa fraud and abuse” where it was alleged to have sent Indian workers to the U.S. using temporary visas, instead of the more expensive work permits.

The Indian outsourcing company had disputed the charges, despite the settlement.

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FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

Makar Sankranti: Kite Festival draws thousands Vaikunda Ekadasi and Goda Kalyanam of Indian Americans to George Bush Park celebration at Sri Meenakshi Temple

“Walk for Unity” held on Sunday, January 12 at the George Bush Park in Houston where over 350 members participated. Photo by Bijay Dixit (UniquePhotoImages.com)

The Grand wedding of the divine couple Lord Narayana with Andal with Seervarisai inside the main temple (Photo – Kaushik G.)

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EARLAND - On a warm and beautiful wintery morning more than 500 devotees gathered and eagerly weaved their way in a winding queue to enter through a special door for the darshan of Lord Narayana , resplendent on the Garuda Vahana (mythical bird that is the mount of the Lord) with Sridevi (Mahalakshmi) and Bhoodevi (Mother Earth). Chants of “Govinda! Govindaa!!” rose amidst the singing of bhajans by enthusiastic devotees. The place was Houston’s own Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland, and the occasion was the Vaikunda Ekadasi celebration on Saturday January 11.

The belief among devotees

is that, Vaikunda Dwaram (or the gate to Lord’s Inner Sanctum) is opened on this day. This was symbolically represented at the temple by devotees entering the main temple through a special door which signified walking into Swarga Vaasal (the door to heaven). After taking darshan the devotees took a procession of the magnificently seated divine Lord Narayana with the divine mothers around the temple.

The devotees at Sri Meenakshi Temple were treated to a second auspicious function, Goda Kalyanam, on the following morning Sunday January 12, which coincided Continued on Page 7

Continued from Page 1 Poster of ‘Houston for NaMo’, in support of India’s Narendra Modi for next Prime Minister, was strategically placed at the event. Organizers took advantage of the wide spaces and set up Yoga session where participants did the Surya Namaskar Yagna at the start of the day’s event. Yoga, enthusiasts, young and older took part in the session.

Like the many festivals of India that are vibrant and colorful, Makar Sankaranti is also known to attract people from all segments, bonding the young ones with and old, instilling a spirit of competition with the kite fight and a joyous occasion for a great feast specially made for the occasion. Due to the concerted efforts of organizations like the VHP, HGH, GSH, ICC and others that strive to spread the values of Indian culture and traditions, Houstonians have been celebrating and enjoying such festivities each year.

Global Indians for Bharat Vikas organizers and volunteers at the registration booth on Sunday, Jan 12, 2014. Photo by Shobana Muratee

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 6

NRIs cannot vote from outside India, says Vayalar Ravi

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

OBITUARY

“That one I love who is incapable of ill will, and returns love for hatred, Living beyond the reach of I and mine, and of pain and pleasure, full of mercy, contented, self-controlled, of firm resolve, with all his heart and all his mind given to Me - with such a one I am in love.” - BHAGAVAD GITA.

by Gyanendra Kumar Keshri

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EW DELHI: NonResident Indians (NRIs) can vote in Indian elections only if they are present in their constituencies, and it is not physically possible to allow them to vote from outside the country, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said.

You will always be loved by us!

By your sons: Balwant, Narendra, Ashok

“We requested the Election Commission to work out some mechanism, but they said it is not physically possible,” Ravi told IANS. He pointed out that Indian polls are now totally conducted through electronic voting machines (EVMs), and the Election Commission has clearly said it was not possible to allow NRIs vote through ballot or email. “We have given voting rights to NRIs. But they can vote only if they are present in the constituency where their name is listed,” he said.

The minister pointed out that rules of voting for the resident Indians were also the same.

“For example, if you are listed in some constituency in Kerala and you live in Delhi, you can’t vote in Delhi. You need to travel to your constituency to vote. It’s the same for NRIs. If they want to vote, they need to go to their constituency,” Vayalar Ravi said.

He was talking to IANS at the 12th edition of the annual diaspora meet - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) here.

By your daughter-in-laws: Ila, Smita, Bakula Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi India amended the Representation of People Act in 2010 to allow NRIs to vote in the elections.

present form hardly make any difference as rarely would people travel back to India just to vote.

As per the law, NRIs can get their names registered in the electoral rolls in the constituency they belong. The enrolled persons can exercise their franchise only if they are present in the constituency on the polling day.

“I have never exercised my franchise. It would be great if we are allowed to vote from the country in which we live.

Otherwise, I don’t think anybody will spend that much money and time to travel and vote,” said Kurian Verghese, a Bahrain based businessman.

Nearly 11 million NRIs live across the world, a substantial number of them are in the Gulf countries.

Vayalar Ravi said voting rights have been a long-standing demand of the millions of NRIs and they should try their best to exercise their franchise.

However, several NRIs say voting rights provided in the

A Qatar based NRI, Mohammed Belal Khan also expressed similar view.

“We have keen interest in what is happening in the Indian politics. We want to be a part, but visiting the constituency just for voting looks impractical,” said Khan, who is actively involved with Dohabased Indian Community Benevolent Forum. (PTI).

Bhanuben Trivedi

By your grand children: Shilpa, Siddharth, Amar, Ankur

Remembering You

June 12, 1924 - January 9, 2014

Indian Americans laud Chief Judge – NYC Criminal Courts

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EW YORK - Samir Chopra, PresidentElect, of Indian Americans of New York, Co-hosted a public reception in lower Manhattan in honor of Judge Bkamins. Judge Bkamins currently serves as the Chief Administrative Judge for the NYC Criminal Courts and also as acting administrative judge for civil matters for the Second Judicial District. Samir Chopra said “He is a noted author, and has served the community and

Samir Chopra with Judge Bkamins the courts for decades he is a true public servant, who cares for the wellbeing of all citizens in the State of New York. He is caring, compassionate and a man of impeccable character.”

Samir Chopra has been honored by the United States Senate, United States Congress, New York State Governor & Attorney General as an outstanding individual who has served the people of New York with honor & distinction. He is a past recipient of the Walter E Upjohn Award, and has served

on the Board of the South Asian Bar Association of New York & the Hindu Center in Flushing Queens. He has completed his education at Emory University and Harvard . He has completed several Marathons & Triathalons and has been interviewed on CNBC, FOX News and CNN Headline News. He is a founder of the first Indian Fraternity in North America and has served on the Election Committee of 18 Supreme Court, District Court Justices and Members of Congress.

2 Indians, US citizen arrested at Nepal airport Two Indian nationals were arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport in the Nepalese capital today for allegedly possessing undeclared foreign currency and gold while an American was detained after bullets were found in his hand luggage.

Mohammed Aajad, 40, was arrested at the airport’s departure checking counter after USD 38,500 was allegedly found in his possession.

Police found the dollars hidden in his body while frisking Aajad, officials said. (PTI)

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

IACCGH hosts inaugural, honors Vaikunda Ekadasi and Goda Kalyanam celebration at Sri..... Dr. Agrawal on his appointment to the UH Board of Regents

Devotees eagerly weaved their way in a winding queue to enter the Vaikunda Dwaram at Sri Meenakshi temple (photo – M.K. Sriram) Continued from Page 5

with the celebration of the mandalam completion of the consecration of the new Ganesh temple.

The month of Marghazi from mid-December to midJanuary represents a holy month in the Hindu calendar.

It is believed that Sri Mahalakshmi took birth as Andal/Goda in Srivilliputtur. As one of the foremost among the 12 Alwars (great devotees of Lord Narayana), she composed the Thiruppavai (30 songs in praise of Lord Narayana) which are steeped in devotion while extolling the great Vedic philosophy at the same time. Andal’s penance undertaken this month, with the culmination of marriage to Lord Narayana as Sri Ranganatha is celebrated as Goda Kalyanam.

After a brief prayer to Lord Ganesha in the new Ganesh temple, the traditional Seervarisai (offerings for the marriage) started with Andal’s

Lord Narayana with Sridevi and Boodevi resplendent on the Garuda Vahana (Sri Meenakshi temple) (Photo – Kaushik G.)

Thiruppavai recitation and Nadaswaram music accompaniment in the background.

All the devotees then gathered at the main temple and were enthralled to witness the holy occasion of Andal Kalyanam and to receive the celestial blessings. Prasadam prepared by volunteers, was distributed following the wedding.

The Thiruppavai saying “Koodarai vellum Seer Gov-

indaâ€? translated as “Even for those who do not actively make the effort to seek the divine, Lord Govinda will seek out, to bless and protect them and win them over with his majesty, grace, compassion and loveâ€?, aptly describes the mood that the devotees felt on these twin celebratory occasions at Sri Meenakshi Temple. To ďŹ nd out about more of such wonderful upcoming events please visit www.emeenakshi.org.

Judge Ed Emmett seen honoring Dr. Agrawal along with IACCGH President Sanjay Ramabhadran, Immediate past President, Pankaj Dhume and Jagdip Ahluwalia.

HOUSTON -On January 8th, 2014 the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston hosted its inaugural 2014 Reception at the HESS Club. On the occasion, IACCGH honored its founding President Dr. Durga Agrawal on his recent appointment to the University of Houston Board of Regents by Regents by Governor Rick Perry. “I am honored to have been chosen by Governor Rick Perry for the University of Houston Board of Regents. I am very passionate about education in the state of Texas, and I am looking forward to working with President and Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator and my fellow Board Members,� said Dr. Agrawal. He also highlighted the areas of successes of UH stating that UH was not just a regional university anymore, but a Tier One national research university, one of only three in Texas.

Over 170 guests attended the reception honoring Dr. Agrawal who will serving University of Houston Board of Regents through 2019. Dr. Agrawal received a bachelor’s degree from the Delhi College of Engineering, University of Delhi in In-

dia. He earned his Masters and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from University of Houston. He is President and CEO of Piping Technology & Products, a company providing products and services worldwide for industrial and construction needs. He was appointed by Governor Perry to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and served four years from 2008 – 2012, and also serves on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Dr. Agrawal is also a licensed Professional Engineer and he serves on the Cullen College of Engineering Leadership board, is a Board Member of Friedman Industries, and past founding President and current Trustee of India House Houston. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Asia Society Texas, as well as on the Board of Visitors at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

IACCGH Immediate past President, Pankaj Dhume presented his annual report and thanked his team for their support which led to a very successful year. He presented retiring Board members Ajit Thakur, Nitin Kapadia and

Patel

Amod Bavare with plaques of appreciation.

President Sanjay Ramabhadran introduced the 2014 executive team and board of directors and presented Pankaj with a plaque thanking him for his leadership.

The board made special note of the support and guidance from Asha Dhume and Sanjay presented her with a special token of appreciation. .

The Chamber also congratulated the IIT Alumni Association on their successful global IIT conference held in Houston.

Judge Ed Emmett in his remarks said he had been requested to felicitate Dr. Agrawal but said in reality Dr. Agrawal felicitates the community by all the good work he does.

Executive Director, Jagdip Ahluwalia, welcomed the guests who included the President of the Asian Chamber, the Fort Bend Chamber, the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance and other resource partners.

In his plans for 2014 Sanjay stated that for the upcoming year the Chamber would build on its current success - 2014 Plans – Building on 2013 Success!

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VOICE OF ASIA 8

India grants US nationals a business visa for 10 years, Chinese for 6 months

by Aman Sharma NEW DELHI: India’s policy to grant visas to foreign citizens wishing to establish an industrial or business venture in the country is skewed in favour of the United States, according to the home ministry, which has made public this information for the first time in the wake of the recent stand-off between the two countries over the arrest of its diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York.

Amid criticism by the opposition over granting undue privileges to American diplomats in the country, the home ministry’s policy as on January 8 says that US nationals can get a business visa for 10 years, double the regular duration for which India grants such visas.

What makes the disparity in favour of US nationals starker is the fact that Chinese nationals are granted business visas for a maximum duration of six months that can be extended by another six months only after a nod from the home ministry

The ministry has specified that its general policy is to grant a five-year multiple entry business visa, with the foreign national allowed to spend six months at a stretch. following a due inquiry. Similar stricter provisions are also in place for Japanese nations.

The policy on business visas is based on the principle of “reciprocity” with certain specific countries as well as intelligence reports and past conduct of foreign nationals coming on

Pakistan sets up military base in troubled Swat Valley

I

slamabad — Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the setting up of a permanent military base in the troubled Swat Valley where Taliban insurgents shot schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai in the head.

The scenic northwestern district slipped out of government control after Taliban fighters led by cleric Maulana Fazlullah, now chief of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), took control of the area in 2007 and waged a brutal campaign of beheadings, violence and multiple attacks on girls’ schools.

By July 2009 the army declared the region back under their control, saying the rebels

such visas, said a home ministry official, who did not wish to be named.

The ministry has specified that its general policy is to grant a five-year multiple entry business visa, with the foreign national allowed to spend six months at a stretch.

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cording to senior police official Deepak Mishra. She then told her hotel staff of the attack, he said.

Amit Bahl, owner of the Amax Hotel, said the woman was crying and “not in good shape”.

“I am really ashamed that this happened,” Bahl said.

The tourist was robbed of her cash, iPad, and phone. She refused a medical examination and has since left India to return to Denmark, police said.

In a separate incident, an 18year-old German woman was reportedly raped by a man sharing her compartment on a train travelling from Mangalore to Chennai in southern India on

Friday.

A man, described as a migrant worker from Bihar state, was arrested on Tuesday, Der Spiegel newspaper reported.

India was convulsed by the murder in Dec 2012 of a woman who was raped and tortured on a moving bus in New Delhi, forcing the country to confront sexual violence and leading to a tightening of rape laws.

Four men were sentenced to death for the murder and another was found hanged in his prison cell. A sixth, who was under 18 at the time of the attack, was earlier sentenced to three years’ detention, the maximum allowed under juvenile law.

had all been killed, captured or fled, but more than 20,000 troops remained in Swat and adjacent districts.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has in principle approved and announced a brigade level cantonment for Swat and (adjacent) Malakand areas,” his office said in a statement, adding that the approval came during a visit to Swat.

“The prime minister lauded the role played by the army in bringing peace and stability to the area.”

Political Analyst Hasan Askari said the army’s permanent presence would help prevent the return of Taliban insurgents to the area.

d an s u ho T ve Sa

Police arrest two men after gang rape report in India olice arrested at least two men after a Danish tourist said she was robbed and gang-raped in the heart of the Indian capital’s tourist district, putting sexual violence in India further into the spotlight.

Police said the 51-year-old tourist had filed a police complaint of rape in the district of Paharganj, a popular tourist area packed with backpacker hotels and restaurants near New Delhi railway station.

The Danish woman was walking through the area of narrow lanes and dark streets on Tuesday night when she asked two men for directions to her hotel.

Five to six more men then appeared and she was raped, ac-

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

“It is because of the internal security situation and the threat of the return of militancy that the army is making a permanent presence in Swat,” he told AFP. “Had the army not been there, Taliban would have been in power in Swat.”

Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, 16, became an international symbol of the right to education for all after surviving a 2012 Taliban attack in which she was shot in the head.

Nominated for the 2013 Nobel Peace prize, she was taken to Britain for treatment following the attack and goes to school in the central city of Birmingham.

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VOICE OF ASIA 9

US presidential award for two Indian-American scientists

Hardeep Singh, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of the Health Policy, Quality & Informatics program at the Houston VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, and Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has named two Indian-Americans among 102 scientists as recipients of a presidential award -- the highest honour bestowed by the US on young science and engineering professionals.

The winners, including Karunesh Ganguly of San Francisco VA Medical Center and Hardeep Singh of Houston VA Medical Center, will receive the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers at a ceremony here next year.

“The impressive achievements of these early-stage scientists and engineers are promising indicators of even greater successes ahead,” Obama said in a White House statement.

“We are grateful for their commitment to generating the scientific and technical advancements that will ensure America’s global leadership for many years to come,” he said.

The awards, established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President.

Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.

US F-18 fighter crashes off Virginia coast WASHINGTON, January 15, 2014 (AFP) - A F-18 fighter crashed off the coast of Virginia on Wednesday and the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft, the US Navy said.

The crash occurred at about 2:30 pm (1930 GMT) about 45 miles (70 kilometers) from US naval air station Oceana, said spokesman Lieutenant Commander Ryan Perry.

The cause of the accident remained unclear, pending an investigation.

In April 7, 2012, an F-18 fighter out of the same base crashed shortly after take-off and slammed into an apartment building, causing major damage and injuring nine people but -- in what officials called a “miracle’ -- no fatalities.

WORLD/US

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

Yahoo chief operating officer out SAN FRANCISCO, January 15, 2014 (AFP) - Yahoo chief operating officer Henrique de Castro is walking away with a stock award of $20 million as the company struggles to boost revenues, regulatory filings showed.

The California-based Internet firm’s second-in-command will be out effective Thursday, having served in the post about 15 month’s since being hand-picked by chief executive Marissa Mayer shortly after she took charge.

Yahoo did not reveal the reason for the departure, but speculation was strong that the company’s advertising revenues were not improving quickly enough.

As part of her mission to revive the company, Mayer has made a slew of acquisitions, including blogging platform Tumblr. She has also revamped Yahoo pages and its free email service.

Mayer took over as Yahoo chief in July 2012, and her

plan to revitalize the company includes being at the center of people’s Internet habits, especially on mobile devices.

Despite many investments, Yahoo last year lost its Number 2 position in the US digital ad market to social networking titan Facebook, according to industry-tracker eMarketer.

Yahoo’s share of global digital ad revenue slid about a half percent to 2.87 percent last year, while Facebook and

Google saw their shares rise, eMarketer reported.

De Castro was given a million-dollar “make good” cash bonus when he was hired from Google in October of 2012, and his annual base pay was $600,000, a letter filed with US regulators said.

He also secured an award of $20 million worth of “makegood” stock shares, which are his to keep if Yahoo is letting him go without cause, according to a termination clause in his hiring letter.

US urges acetaminophen limits due to liver risks

US to hand over 3 stolen sandstone sculptures to India

WASHINGTON, January 15, 2014 (AFP) - US regulators said Wednesday they are urging doctors to cease prescribing drugs that contain more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen per tablet due to concerns over liver damage.

To avoid exceeding that level, the FDA called on patients to refrain from taking more than one drug at a time containing acetaminophen, and to avoid such medicines if they drink more than three alcoholic beverages daily.

Prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and Percocet, can contain acetaminophen and may be dangerous if taken with other popular pain-relievers, like Tylenol, or with alcohol.

The FDA also recommended that health care providers consider prescribing combination drug products that contain 325 milligrams or less of acetaminophen, known as paracetamol outside North America.

The US will hand over to India three stolen Indian sandstone sculptures valued at more than USD 1.5 million, in a display of cooperation between the two countries following a month-long row over the arrest and indictment of an Indian diplomat here.

“There are no available data to show that taking more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen per dosage unit provides additional benefit that outweighs the added risks for liver injury,” the Food and Drug Administration said.

“Limiting the amount of acetaminophen per dosage unit will reduce the risk of severe liver injury from inadvertent acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to liver failure, liver transplant, and death.”

The maximum dose per day for adults is 4,000 milligrams.

The FDA asked prescription drug manufacturers in 2011 to limit the amount of acetaminophen to no more than 325 milligrams in each tablet or capsule in order to protect consumers.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and INTERPOL Washington will participate in a “cultural repatriation ceremony with India” at the Indian Consulate General, when the federal authorities will hand over the three stolen sculptures to Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay today.

As of January 14, more than half have voluntarily complied, the agency said.

The artefacts include a sculpture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, a sandstone sculpture of Vishnu and Parvati and a blackstone figure of Bodhisattva.

Still, “inadvertent overdose” from prescription combination drugs containing acetaminophen make up about half of all cases of acetaminophen-related liver failure in the nation, the FDA said.

HSI Executive Associate Director James Dinkins and INTERPOL Washington Director Shawn Bray will be in attendance at the ceremony. The statues were seized by HSI special agents here.

The exchange comes just days after diplomat Devyani Khobragade was asked to leave the US after she was accorded diplomatic immunity by the State Department and indicted on charges of visa fraud and making false statements regarding the employment terms of her domestic worker Sangeeta Richard.

To ensure full diplomatic immunity from criminal charges for Khobragade, India had transferred her to its Permanent Mission to the UN from the Indian Consulate, where she was deputy Consul General at the time of her arrest in December.

Incidentally, the repatriation ceremony will take place at the Indian Consulate, which had been Khobragade’s office before she was transferred to the Indian mission at the UN. The ceremony is among the first displays of cooperation between the two nations following the diplomatic row that saw retaliatory actions by India, including removing security barricades from outside the US embassy in New Delhi and barring American officials access to duty-free liquor.

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

LIFESTYLE

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

Vol. 27

No. 3 Friday, January 17, 2014

Section 2

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Internet of Things poses new security risks said the system is “extremely secure” to prevent unwanted intrusions.

One factor that mitigates the risk is that with billions of objects likely to be connected, the value to hackers could be limited in most cases: would a hacker penetrate a refrigerator to steal someone’s grocery list?

“You’ve got to be smart consumers when you’re using a smart device,” said Randy Overton, national product trainer for South Korean giant LG, which showed off its smart appliances that can communicate by text message with the owner.

To allay potential concerns, computer chip giant Intel announced at CES that it would offer its McAfee security service for connected devices free of charge,.

The display embedded in front of a LG smart refrigerator on the final day of International CES, in Las Vegas on Jan. 5, 2014. (AFP Photo).

by Sophie Estienne

Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich told a CES keynote that offering this level of security would “allow this ecosystem to flourish.”

Equipment maker Cisco estimates that 50 billion objects worldwide will be connected by 2020.

“It is impossible to put security software on every object,” said Cisco’s David Orain.

The answer is to look and address “abnormal activity” linked to the connected devices, said Orain, noting that this is part of what Cisco offers clients.

One of the areas where security concerns are paramount are in industrial applications.

Andreas Haegele of the France-based digital security firm Gemalto said elec-

tronic tracking has been done for decades for things like shipping containers and petroleum platforms, and that the security of these objects is now in focus.

US cybersecurity officials have also stepped up warnings for hacking into so-called critical infrastructure like pipelines and power grids.

Symantec’s Haley said that last month’s publicized hacking into a nanny cam drew headlines but that no real damage was done.

But the same technique could be used for industrial espionage.

“If I can break into the security cameras of my competitor’s factory, I can see exactly how the factory works,” Haley said.

and positioning.

L

AS VEGAS, (AFP) - The hackers who got into your computer or smartphone are now taking aim at the Internet of Things.

And security researchers have shown the possibility, at least in theory, of hacking into automobile electronics or medical devices like pacemakers.

The connected toothbrush, sports gear with embedded sensors and smart refrigerators are just a few of the objects showcasing innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Catalin Cosoi, chief security strategist at the firm Bitdefender, said the threat remains mostly theoretical for now.

They are all impressive but “they’re all breachable” said Kevin Haley, director of Symantec Security Response, while attending the huge high-tech trade show.

“If the object is connected to the Internet, you will find it, and if it has an OS (operating system) you can hack it,” he told AFP at the Las Vegas expo.

Haley said the pace of innovation could outstrip the security protecting the devices.

“As we start to bring all this new stuff in our houses, we’re going have to take some responsibility,” he said.

The devices displayed the CES show included an array of gear from a connected basketball to baby clothing which monitors an infant’s breathing

“I don’t think the bad guys have understood the benefits for them of making use of such things yet,” he said.

But Cosoi said some new hack in inevitable which could cause people to take notice.

“We’re definitely going to see something happening this year... we might see the first collateral victim, a person being physically harmed,” he added.

The introduction of Internet-enabled door locks at CES poses the obvious question of whether the devices can be compromised by hackers.

Alex Colcernian, director of product development at Unikey, which powers Kwikset remote-control locks, said the technology includes “military grade encryption” to stay secure.

Leo Herlin of French-based Medissimo, which introduced a smart pill box,

The Kolibree toothbrush, the world’s first internet connected toothbrush is despalyed at the “CES Unveiled,” media preview for International CES, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on Jan. 5, 2014. (AFP Photo).

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VOICE OF ASIA 12

Friday, January 17, 2014

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Samedh Iyer wins the Mr. CyWoods 2014 title

W

RAP is Cy-Woods High School’s parentdriven Project Prom organization. The purpose of WRAP is to provide a drug and alcohol-free all-night party for the graduating seniors and their guests after their prom. They also sponsor the coveted Mr CyWoods pageant.

The Mr. Cy Woods competition has become a tradition that is always an exciting evening of entertainment. It is a fun and fabulous pageant for Senior Men that includes swimwear, talent and formal wear categories. Their 6th annual contest was held on Thursday, January 9th. Samedh Iyer, an aspiring doctor was crowned Mr CyWoods 2014. He won the competition by performing with the dance group Jackson 5 and singing the old time Michael Jackson favorite “I’ll be there”.

The audience was enthralled by Samedh’s swim suit act. He was unanimously chosen the winner to the delight of his CyWoods crowd.

CyWoods High School located in Cypress, Tx is one of the top rated schools in the Cypress Fairbanks ISD, 2014.

Samedh speaking after being crowned

Two students hurt in New Mexico school shooting, suspect in custody

Students are reunited with family following an early morning shooting at Berrendo Middle School in Roswell, New Mexico, January 14, 2014. (Credit: Reuters

by Alex Dobuzinskis A shooter opened fire at a middle school in New Mexico on Tuesday, seriously wounding at least two teenage students before being taken into custody, police and hospital officials said.

“The shooter has been apprehended,” police in Roswell, New Mexico, said in a statement, without giving any further details on the incident or the suspected gunman.

A student at Berrendo Middle School, which serves students in grades six through eight, told the Albuquerque Journal that he had seen another student carrying a gun, and then saw a boy get shot.

But authorities could not confirm the identity of the shooter.

The two injured students from the school, which was placed on lockdown after the shooting, were taken to a local hospital, where they were stabilized before being transferred to another facility, said Brooke Linthicum, a hospital spokeswoman.

The students were taken by helicopter to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, where a 14-year-old boy was in critical condition and a 13-year-old girl was in serious condition. The students were taken to the Texas facility, about 150 miles east of Roswell, because it has a Level 1 trauma center, said hospital spokesman Eric Finley.

The boy was shot in the face, students told the Albuquerque Journal.

Sixth-grade student Anyssa Vegara told the paper she was talking to a security guard when she heard a shot.

“I turned around and all I saw was someone on the floor with their arm bleeding,” Anyssa told the Journal.

The incident was the second at a middle school in three months. In October, a 12-year-old boy opened fire with a handgun at his middle school in Sparks, Nevada, killing a teacher and wounding two other students before shooting himself to death.

It comes amid a national debate on gun control, after a gunman shot

to death 20 students and six adult staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in December, 2012. Following that attack, President Barack Obama called for sweeping new gun control measures.

Most of Obama’s proposals were defeated in Congress, but his administration proposed new regulations this month aimed at clarifying restrictions on gun ownership for the mentally ill and bolstering a database used for background checks on buyers of firearms.

A recorded voice message on Berrendo Middle School’s phone instructed parents to pick up their children at a nearby location.

Roswell, a city of 48,000 people in southeastern New Mexico, is best known for its association with

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UFO lore because of the 1947 crash at a nearby site of an object UFO proponents believe was an alien ship. The U.S. military says materials recovered near the site were from an experimental surveillance craft.

Kathy Sigala, a parent, told Roswell television station KOBR, an NBC affiliate, that she was made aware of the shooting by a phone call from an office colleague.

“It was scary, it was freaky,” Sigala told the station. “We just can’t believe that it would happen here.”

A dispatcher with the Roswell police said the initial report came from the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office. An official there declined to comment. (Reuters)

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

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23 Indian-origin in Forbes list of ‘brightest young stars’

The young turks in the field of finance include Ganesh Betanabhatla, 28, who is the Managing director at investment firm Talara Capital.

N

EW YORK: Over 20 Indian-origin youths are among Forbes magazine’s annual list of the world’s “brightest young stars” under the age of 30 from diverse fields like finance, media, sports and education, described by the publication as “prodigies reinventing the world right now.” The Forbes third annual ‘30 Under 30’ list comprises young achievers in 15 different fields and includes icons like pop singers Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, founder and CEO of the short-form blogging platform Tumblr David Karp, tennis player Maria Sharapova and Pakistani girls’ rights activist Malala Yousafzai. The list of 450 young achievers includes 23 men and women who are of Indian-origin.

They are: FINANCE: The young Indian-origin turks in the field of finance include Ganesh Betanabhatla, 28, who is the managing director at New York-based investment firm Talara Capital. Rushabh Doshi, 29, is a trader at financial firm DW Investment Management, who specialises in high-yield and distressed debt. Chaitanya Mehra, 28, is the portfolio manager at investment firm Och-Ziff Capital Management.

Neil Mehta, 29, is the founder of investment firm Greenoaks Capital, where he manages some $600 million, investing in industries ranging from ecommerce to insurance.

SAHIL LAVINGIA Founder, Gum-

road Sahil Lavingia, 21, is the founder and CEO of Gumroad, a Web tool that lets creators quickly and easily sell digital products online.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: KARAN CHOPRA Co-Founder, GADCO On the list of social entrepreneurs is 29-year-old Karan Chopra, who cofounded GADCO, Ghana’s largest producer of rice. Krishna Ramkumar, 28, is the cofounder of Avanti, a group of learning centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Kanpur and Chennai that provides 750 bright, low-income high school students with science and math education.

Ajaita Shah, 29, founded Indiabased Frontier Markets which brings clean energy to families at the base of the pyramid. Kavita Shukla, 29, invented and patented FreshPaper — a lowcost, compostable paper infused with edible organic spices that keeps produce fresh two to four times longer.

SPORTS & GAMES: MEGHA PAREKH, V-P, Jacksonville Jaguars.

Making a mark in the field of sports is 28-year-old Megha Parekh, who is vice president at American football team Jacksonville Jaguars. Along with her is Amir Rao, 29. He is a studio director at Supergiant Games and is co-creator of the action role-playing video game Bastion, which has sold over 2.2 million copies since 2011 and won multiple awards. (PTI).

Clements High School to Host CommunityWide Outreach Program on Holocaust, Feb. 5

F

ORT BEND ISD - Clements High School will present a community outreach program to explore the pains of prejudice through lessons learned from the Holocaust, on Wednesday, February 5.

This year’s program will spotlight “Rescue in the Philippines,” a critically acclaimed film that documents the rescue of 1,300 Jews from Nazioccupied Europe during World War II. Immediately following the film, attendees can participate in a Q&A session with the film’s producer, Barbara Sasser, and Holocaust survivor Ursula Progl. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view “The Shoah,”

a multi-media docudrama that examines the Holocaust through the eyes of a little girl and her American liberator, and tour “The Hall of Remembrance,”

a 175-foot hallway comprised of creative projects and poignant artwork made by current U.S. History students at Clements.

Following is a schedule of events to be presented: Hall of Remembrance viewing – 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (upstairs hallway overlooking library) “The Shoah,” multi-media docudrama – 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (upstairs lecture hall) “Scenes from Theresienstadt Concentration Camp” performed by the Clements Symphonic Band – 6:00 p.m. (school auditorium) Film presentation of “Rescue in the Philippines” – 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (school auditorium) Panel Q&A session – 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (school auditorium) Admission to all events is free. Clements High School is located at 4200 Elkins Dr. in Sugar Land. For more information, contact Michael Madden at mike.madden@fortbendisd.com.

VOICE OF ASIA 13

BOLLYWOOD MASALA

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

Friday, January 17, 2014

M

UMBAI - Bollywood actress and producer Malaika Arora Khan said she is happy that the career graph of her actor brother-in-law Salman Khan is soaring with the passage of time.

Section 2

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Salman getting better with each film he does, says Malaika

“We have tremendous respect for the person he (Salman) is and for his craft. I think with every film he gets better. Very few men survive that long (on screen) with that kind of intensity and fan following... It is amazing,” Malaika told PTI. She said in the extended family of Khans every festival and occasions like birthdays are celebrated with gaiety. “There is healthy respect for everybody. Everybody values each other’s time and position. There is lot of fun, joking and fooling around that happens whenever we meet,” she said.

Sunny Deol

by Virendra Pandit AHMEDABAD - Bollywood macho Sunny Deol will be the brand ambassador of ‘Mango Sip’, the flagship product of Manpasand Beverages Pvt Ltd.

With the kind of work we do, it is difficult to sit and chat every single day of life but whenever we meet whether it is for birthdays or even a casual lunch, it is always fun, she added. Malaika, known for her item numbers, has mostly done cameos in various films.

When asked about it, she replied, “if there is something worthwhile for me, something that excites me, I will do it”.

Malaika will be seen doing a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Happy New Year’. “I have just done a cameo, there is no

“

We got the prints only by Friday afternoon and the censor board gave us the certificate by seven in the evening. The theatres were not sure if they will even get to show the film, so there were no posters,” Fazli told IANS on phone from Karachi.

Gujarat-based Manpasand Beverages, a leading fruit juices company, has signed up Deol as its brand ambassador, its founder Dhirendra Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, said in a statement here.

Malaika Arora Khan dancing this time. It is a sweet cameo... It is something that I had done in ‘Om Shanti Om’. I am playing myself,” she said on her role.

The production company of her actor husband and Salman’s brother Arbaaz Khan has delivered two back-to-back hits with ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Dabangg

2’. The actress, who is working closely with Arbaaz in his company, has denied the buzz that they are coming with ‘Dabangg 3’ in near future. “There

‘Dedh Ishqiya’ 1.30 am show running housefull in Pakistan: Distributor

Madhuri, who made a comeback after seven years with the film, did help in luring the audiences as well, he said. The 46-year-old made a fabulous `begum` in the movie.

“Certainly it has generated excitement, curiosity and buzz around the film,” he said.

(Courtesy; IANS).

In Pakistan, the film is being shown on 35 screens, including single screens. However, the footfall in multiplexes is overwhelming compared to the single screen theatres, said Fazli.

The Vadodara-headquartered company has a basket of 25 product variants. It plans to invest over Rs 100 crore in the next one year even and increase the sales from Rs 300 crore at present to Rs 1,000 crore in three years.

Endorsing the Mango Sip brand, Deol said he was himself “very fond” of mangoes.

Singh said with Deol as the brand ambassador for its flagship mango juice brand, the company will benefit. It is currently available at over two lakh retail outlets and 2,000 dealers.

In 2011, SAIF Partners India had invested $10 million in Manpasand Beverages for a minority stake.

Manpasand’s flagship brand ‘Mango Sip’ is among the top four mango juice brands in India.

Veteran Telugu movie actress Anjali Devi no more

“During weekend, the multiplexes were full and all shows including the night show were running housefull. However, the film did not do well in single screen theatres,” he said and added that Monday and Tuesday are public holidays in the country.

If Vidya Balan surprised with her sensuous portrayal in the original, Madhuri Dixit has bowled audiences over as manipulative Begum Para in the sequel. Another talented actress Huma Qureshi joins her in the

is nothing on that front yet. Our next project is ‘Doli Ki Doli’, which we start in next couple of months. We are only concentrating on that,” she added. (PTI). content, story, treatment and the entire packaging connected with the audience,” he said.

“We had a 1 a.m. show and it was housefull,” he added

A sequel to 2010 “Ishqiya”, director Abhishek Chaubey`s small-town saga sees Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi reprising their roles of Khalujaan and Babban, respectively, from the previous movie.

Manpasand Beverages signs up with Sunny Deol

The film hit the screens Friday. cast.

The makers are “thrilled” with the rave reviews and viewers` response to “Dedh Ishqiya” in Pakistan, where it released on the same day as India.

“We went through the necessary approvals of getting clearance from the regulatory bodies

and censor board,” said Hiren Gada, director Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, on the Pakistan release. He has co-produced the film with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj.

in Pakistan and the audiences look forward to watching Bollywood films, since the cultures are similar. We think that good films will have a good market there,” he added.

“There were challenges.

However, we had very good support from our local distributor in Pakistan. We are thrilled with the response in Pakistan, even shows at 1.30 a.m. are going housefull,” he told reporters.

They are hoping to earn good profit in the neighbouring country.

Gada says they were confident about the film`s performance in Pakistan.

“The `Ishqiya` franchise is based on Khalujaan and Babban’s naughty and quirky chemistry and the bold female characters. Hence, we were confident of its success,” he said.

“Indian cinema is popular

“It is too early to talk about the collection figures yet. However, going by the tremendous response, we are hoping that it will do extremely good business in the territory,” he said.

Gada feels that it is the mix of the “twists and turns”, “content” and “story” that made the film appealing. “`Dedh Ishqiya` is an extremely entertaining and funny film, laced with twists and turns. This is the key factor drawing audiences to see the film. In addition to this, the

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According to reports, the actress’s family will donate her body to Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai. RIP, Anjali Devi.

Anjali, who had made a film debut as a child artist in 1936, is survived by two sons.

Though she began with Telugu movies, Anjali later became an acclaimed multi-lingual actor, as she got several offers in Tamil and Hindi movies too.

She has been credited with introducing veteran Bollywood actress Rekha to Telugu industry with Rangula Ratnam.

Anjali, who was married to music director and lyricist P. Adinarayana Rao, also produced over 20 Telugu films under the banner of Anjali Pictures.

Before entering films, she was a theatre artist. She has been known for her performance in movies of mythological importance like Lava Kusha (1963), Bhakta Prahlada and Bhakta Tukaram.

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Friday, January 17, 2014

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FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

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Swedish doctors transplant wombs into 9 women Understanding The Extra

Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

STOCKHOLM, January, 14 2014 (AP) - Nine women in Sweden have successfully received transplanted wombs donated from relatives and will soon try to become pregnant, the doctor in charge of the pioneering project has revealed.

What is the income limit?

To qualify for Extra Help, your annual income must be limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together.

Even if your annual income is higher, you may still be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:

The women were born without a uterus or had it removed because of cervical cancer.

Most are in their 30s and are part of the first major experiment to test whether it’s possible to transplant wombs into women so they can give birth to their own children.

Life-saving transplants of organs such as hearts, livers and kidneys have been done for decades and doctors are increasingly transplanting hands, faces and other body parts to improve patients’ quality of life. Womb transplants — the first ones intended to be temporary, just to allow childbearing — push that frontier even farther and raise some new concerns.

There have been two previous attempts to transplant a womb — in Turkey and Saudi Arabia — but both failed to produce babies. Scientists in Britain, Hungary and elsewhere are also planning similar operations but the efforts in Sweden are the most advanced.

“This is a new kind of surgery,” Dr. Mats Brannstrom told The Associated Press in an interview from Goteborg. “We have no textbook to look at.”

Brannstrom, chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department at the University of Gothenburg, is leading the initiative.

Next month, he and colleagues will run the first-ever workshop on how to perform womb transplants and they plan to publish a scientific report on their efforts soon.

He said the nine womb recipients were doing well. Many

• Support other family members who live with you; PRACTICE SESSION: The Swedish research team practices before the operations to transplant wombs at the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Goteborg, Sweden. (AP) already had their periods six weeks after the transplants, an early sign that the wombs are healthy and functioning. One

woman had an infection in her newly received uterus and others had some minor rejection episodes, but none of the

recipients or donors needed intensive care after the surgery, Brannstrom said. All left the hospital within days.

Smokers scarce in America, 50 yrs after health warning

by Kerry SHERIDAN

WASHINGTON, (AFP) Fifty years ago, almost half of Americans smoked cigarettes -at work, in restaurants, schools and even in hospitals. Then came a landmark warning that changed everything.

everyone heeded its call to cut tobacco out of daily life, within a decade smoking was slowly but steadily on the decline.

Today, 18 percent of Americans smoke, down from 42 percent in 1964.

The Surgeon General’s report on smoking and health, issued January 11, 1964, was the first of its kind to alert the public that cigarettes caused lung cancer and other fatal tumors.

The change in smoking habits has saved eight million people from dying prematurely over the last 50 years, according to research released this week to coincide with the report’s anniversary.

The contents of the nearly 400-page report made headlines across America. And while not

Lung cancer rates are down, and men and women are living longer than ever before.

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“In the past half century, nothing else has come close to this contribution to the health of Americans. Nothing,” said Ken Warner, professor of health management and policy at the University of Michigan.

“I firmly believe that when 20th century historians look back on the last century they are going to conclude that the rise and fall of the cigarette constituted one of the most important public health stories of the century,” he told reporters in Washington.

But as experts held press conferences and scientific journals published research on the changes in American health and longevity since 1964, some warned that significant challenges remain.

For instance, while smoking rates are down globally, the actual number of smokers is on the rise in the world as cigarettes gain popularity in places like China and India, according to the Institute for Health Metrics in Washington.

Globally, the number of smokers has climbed from 721 million in 1980 to 967 million in 2012, it said.

Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, killing some 400,000 people annually.

“One out of every five deaths is a completely preventable smoking-produced death,” said Warner.

On the flip side of the eightmillion-lives-saved figure is a more harrowing one: nearly 18 million people in the United States have died from tobacco since 1964.

“It is a horrible statistic,” said Michael Terry, the son of the late Luther Terry, the surgeon general who issued report 50

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What does not count as income?

Not all cash payments count as income. For example, we will not count:

to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:

• Support other family mem• Supplemental Nutrition bers who live with you; Assistance • Have earnings from Program (food For extra help work; or stamps); on Medicare • Live in • Housing Alaska or Hawaii. prescription assistance; drug plan costs What does not count • Home as income?

Call: energy assisNot all cash paytance; 713-771-2900 ments count as in• Medical come. For example, treatment and drugs; we will not count: • Disaster assistance; • Supplemental Nutrition • Earned income tax credit Assistance Program (food stamps); payments; • Assistance from others to pay your household expenses; • Victim’s compensation payments; and • Scholarships and education grants.

You should contact Social Security for other income exclusions.

What is the income limit?

To qualify for Extra Help, your annual income must be limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together.

Even if your annual income is higher, you may still be able years ago.

“He would be disappointed,” Terry said. “He would say, ‘What have we been doing?’”

Studies show that new products like mini cigars that come in fruit flavors, as well as electronic cigarettes are gaining in popularity, particularly among young people.

Every day, about three thousand youths try cigarettes for the first time, and 700 get hooked, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

“The primary reason we haven’t accomplished more is the same today as it was in 1964. It is the behavior of the tobacco industry,” said the group’s president, Matthew Myers.

“Cigarettes today are every

• Housing assistance; • Home energy assistance; • Medical treatment and drugs; • Disaster assistance; • Earned income tax credit payments; • Assistance from others to pay your household expenses; • Victim’s compensation payments; and • Scholarships and education grants.

You should contact Social Security for other income exclusions. bit as deadly, every bit as addictive and even more appealing to our nation’s children,” said Myers.

He added that the tobacco industry spends one million dollars an hour on marketing, “much of that in ways to make tobacco products more appealing and more accessible to our kids.”

However, David Sylvia, a spokesman for Altria, the parent company of tobacco giant Philip Morris USA, said cigarette advertising is way down, due to a major legal settlement in 1998 led to dramatic changes in marketing.

No longer can cigarette ads be emblazoned across billboards, taxi cabs, branded merchandise or sports stadiums.

Today, much of tobacco

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VOICE OF ASIA 15

TECH & SCIENCE

Cost of Cool in India? An iPhone

By SARITHA RAI (The New York times

Indians use the monthly payments, called equated monthly installments, to buy a variety of products and services, like branded jeans and cosmetic dental treatments. That Apple used this method too clinched it for him. “E.M.I.’s make the iPhone affordable to Indians like me,� said Mr. Sathyendra, who takes home a salary of $400 a month.

In 2013, Apple wakened to the potential of the world’s fastestgrowing smartphone market.

India also happens to be the second-largest mobile market, with 800 million active users. “Apple sees that the market is at a takeoff point. Sales numbers could get serious within a year or two,� said Anshul Gupta, a Mumbai-based principal analyst for mobile devices at the research firm Gartner. Apple’s shipments have doubled from 2012 and will surpass a million phones in 2013, Mr. Gupta said.

In a price-sensitive country where multinational corporations sell bottles of soda for 16 cents, pizzas for 75 cents and burger meals for $1.40, basic cellphones have dominated the landscape. Smartphone penetration is less than 20 percent of the phone-using public. But a combination of falling prices, fast 3G speeds and a thriving app ecosystem is fueling the adoption at ripping speeds.

Shipments more than doubled, to 41.4 million, last year, according to IDC, a market research firm. The smartphone market grew by 229 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2013, and IDC projects shipments will exceed 129 million by 2015.

With that kind of energy, this is a market where Apple can no longer afford to be a fringe player, selling to an elite few and losing out to pushy rivals.

It is also a market where 80 percent of smartphones sell in the range of $70 to $200, said Mr. Gupta, the Gartner analyst.

High prices have kept Apple at the tail of the top 10 brands by sales, way behind No. 1 Samsung, which sells more than three-quarters of its phones for less than $400, and No. 2 Micromax of India, whose most

The wait to buy new iPhones last November in Ahmadabad, India. Ajit Solanki/Associated Press expensive phone is $350. The cheapest iPhone costs about $525 in India.

To draw young buyers and increase its volume and market share, Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., offered a number of enticements besides the payment plan. Full front-page newspaper ads and TV commercials in recent months offered bonuses for trading in certain old phones and multiple deals, but with a single carrier so far. Wary of the inevitable branding-versus-pricing dilemma, Apple carefully couched these offers to not look like discounts. “Apple has shown great agility in their India strategy all through 2013,� said Manasi Yadav, a Bangalore-based senior mobile industry analyst with IDC India.

Making the phones cheaper, without appearing to be cheap, is enticing a new category of young, brand-conscious Indians, like Chaithra Nayak, to switch to the more expensive iPhones. Ms. Nayak, 24, who studies in the bustling coastal city of Mangalore, took six months to persuade her parents to get her an iPhone. Her father, a businessman, eventually buckled when she told him she could trade in her old Sony smartphone for a discount of 13,000 rupees, or $216, on the iPhone 5c, which costs 41,900 rupees, or $698. “When I use my blue-colored iPhone, I draw attention,� Ms. Nayak said.

Alongside the promotional offers, Apple has widened distribution channels, especially in second-tier Indian cities. Anith Prakash, 26, a sales executive at a premium Apple reseller, iPlanet, in a popular Mysore mall, can vouch for the results.

In the city, which neighbors the technology hub of Bangalore, the store jostles with outlets of Puma and Levi’s in the mall. “A lot of younger, first-time customers are attracted to the offers,� said Mr. Prakash, who added that the store had a 40 percent increase in sales in the past few months. “The trade-in and E.M.I. offers are getting an excellent response,� he said. “Many are combining both, then the price

does not pinch very hard.�

Buyers, long accustomed to paying a phone’s full price, got the first taste of carrier bundling, a sweetener that has been wildly popular in Western markets, when Reliance Communications of Mumbai began the promotion in Mumbai and Delhi. “It is a zero-bill, peaceof-mind plan that makes every Indian’s affordable iPhone dream come true,� the company’s chief executive, Gurdeep Singh, said.

Mapping a pricing-versusbranding strategy for India has been tricky for Apple’s executives. (Apple declined to comment for this article.) The initial reaction to the iPhone 5 was tepid. Contrary to the prerelease buzz that some phones would be priced for “emerging markets,� Apple breached yet another Indian smartphone pricing barrier of 70,000 rupees: The top-end iPhone 5s costs 71,000 rupees, or $1,180.

Mobile Unlocked’s iPhone 5s price index, which compares affordability of the phone relative to a country’s per capita income, finds that it is least affordable in India. The $759 price of the iPhone 5s is 22 percent of India’s per capita gross domestic product, compared with 1.37 percent of per capita G.D.P. in the United States and 10 percent in China.

Not unexpectedly, buyers in India were put off. Mr. Prakash, who sold Nokia devices for two years before joining the iPlanet store 18 months ago, said: “Nokia’s entry-level phones cost 2,000 rupees. For that amount, you can only buy iPhone screen protectors and protective cases in our store.�

In Mysore, Mr. Sathyendra coveted the iPhone 5s but had to pay more than a month’s earnings even for the cheaper 4s he eventually settled for. But others balk at the high price.

Shashidhar Sathyanarayan, a 46-year-old software entrepreneur based in Bangalore, said he was happy with his Samsung smartphone. “It is criminal to spend 45,000 rupees for a brand name; only those who want to project a ‘happening’ image will pay,� he said.

Apple’s high-priced phones are no competition for the country’s top brands, Samsung and

Chinese smartphone makers face uphill battle in US

L

Micromax. Samsung controls 33 percent of the smartphone market, and Micromax has 17 percent, according to IDC. Both blanket the market each year with several offerings for every price band. “Micromax is giving India what it wants: more bang for the buck,� Rahul Sharma, its co-founder and chief executive, said in a phone interview. “Most Indians don’t walk into a store asking for a smartphone; they go, “Bhaiyya, isme chat chalega?� (“Brother, will the chat apps work on this phone?�)

The five-year-old Micromax, which is backed by the private equity firm Sequoia Capital, among others, sold 2.2 million smartphones in the quarter that ended in September, compared with 300,000 smartphones in the same quarter the previous year. It is set to surpass $1 billion in sales in the fiscal year that ends in March 2014. Apple’s numbers are “unimpressive� and its phones are overpriced, Mr. Sharma said.

What ought to make Apple executives uneasy is that competition is building in the premium segment. Even Micromax, known primarily for its low-priced phones, is looking to invade iPhone’s territory. “We are going up notch by notch,� Mr. Sharma said. “We are changing the tonality and cool factor of the brand.�

by Rob Lever ASHINGTON, (AFP) - A US appeals court on Tuesday struck down as unconstitutional a “Net Neutrality� rule that bars broadband Internet providers from blocking or playing favorites for online services.

The court ruled that the Federal Communications Commission lacks authority to impose the rule requiring high-speed Internet firms to treat all traffic equally.

The case brought by US telecom giant Verizon has divided some of the biggest players in the tech sector in a key test of what is officially called “Open Internet� rules.

Backers of Net Neutrality say the case could give the big telecom operators the power to block or degrade services like Netflix or YouTube, while promoting services of their own partners.

The appellate panel in Washington said in its 81-page ruling that the FCC cannot regulate the broadband firms as “common carriers� that are barred from discriminating against different online services. “Because the Commission has failed to establish that the antidiscrimination and anti-blocking rules do not impose per se common carrier obligations, we vacate those portions of the Open Internet Order,� the court said.

But the ruling did back some FCC ability to regulate these Internet firms.

The ruling said “the Telecommunications Act of 1996 vests (the FCC) with affirmative authority to enact measures encouraging the deployment of broadband infrastructure (and)... to promulgate rules governing broadband providers’ treatment of Internet traffic.�

But it added that “even though the Commission has general authority to regulate in this arena, it may not impose requirements that contravene express statutory mandates.�

Verizon and its allies have argued that the FCC lacks authority to interfere with their business, and that Congress never decided these companies were regulated utilities or “common carriers.�

Others say that overturning the rule could give a handful of companies that dominate broadband the ability to control services, and

limit innovative online services.

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said the court “correctly held� that the agency can regulate broadband firms but said the FCC would “consider all available options, including those for appeal, to ensure that these networks on which the Internet depends continue to provide a free and open platform for innovation and expression.�

Verizon executive vice president Randal Milch said the ruling “will not change consumers’ ability to access and use the Internet as they do now.�

He added that the ruling “will allow more room for innovation, and consumers will have more choices to determine for themselves how they access and experience the Internet.� “Verizon has been and remains committed to the open Internet which provides consumers with competitive choices and unblocked access to lawful websites and content when, where, and how they want,� he said.

But Barbara Stripling, president of the American Library Association, said the ruling “gives commercial companies the astounding legal authority to block Internet traffic, give preferential treatment to certain Internet services or applications, and steer users to or away from certain websites based on their own commercial interests.�

The activist group Free Press, meanwhile, said the decision means “companies like Verizon will now be able to block or slow down any website, application or service they like. And they’ll be able to create tiered pricing structures with fast lanes for those who can afford the tolls and slow lanes for everyone else.�

However, Scott Cleland of the research and consulting firm Precursor LLC and a former White House telecom policy adviser, said the ruling was “an unusual win-win outcome... that enabled each party to win on their respective and different must-win issues.�

Cleland said the FCC won its “general authority to regulate� and Verizon “avoided common carrier regulation of broadband.�

He said if both sides let the ruling stand, they “effectively could settle into a de facto net neutrality peace.�

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many brands offering Android phones. “It’s a tall order to climb into this market and gain significant share now, simply because they’re coming in after habits are established, technology is established and brand names are established,�

Gillett said.

The Chinese are coming It’s not for lack of trying. Karen Chupka, one of the organizers of CES, said more than 1,800 Chinese companies turned up this year. She did not provide a comparison.

Huawei and ZTE occupied prominent -- and pricey -- positions at the centre of one of the cavernous halls. Huawei said it doubled the size of its booth in two years, and even parked a Mercedes sedan on the floor to attract participants.

EO

ers continue to grapple with low brand awareness, perceptions of inferior quality, and even security concerns. “The talk last year was premature,� said Frank Gillett, an analyst with Forrester Research. “It’s one thing to have the product. It’s another thing to have all the relationships, build the distribution channels and do the marketing.� “We’ll maybe start to see things kick in in 2015.�

In the third quarter of last year, ZTE and Huawei accounted for 5.7% and 3% of all phones sold in the United States, respectively, trailing Apple’s 36.2% and Samsung’s 32.5%, according to IDC. While Samsung was able to use Google’s Android software to offer a viable rival to the iPhone, that path now is too well trodden with

G

AS VEGAS (Reuters): LG Electronics executive Frank Lee bounded onto a Las Vegas stage this week to show off a new phone for the US market the 6-inch G-Flex, which boasts a curved screen.

Two hours later, in another room at the same hotel, Huawei Technologies’ Richard Yu unveiled the razor-thin Ascend Mate II, bragging it had a battery life of nearly two days. There was one key difference between the two product launches at the Consumer Electronics Show: the South Korean G-Flex will be sold through three US carriers - T-Mobile US, AT&T and Sprint. The Chinese Ascend Mate II? None, at least not yet.

In two years, China’s three biggest handset makers -- Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo -- have vaulted into the top ranks of global smartphone charts, helped in part by their huge domestic market and spurring talk of a new force in the smartphone wars.

Chinese companies took up more showspace at CES than ever before, eager to tout their products to the world’s largest electronics market. Still, analysts said it will likely take years for the Chinese to make headway in the United States, where arguably the only Asian brand to have succeeded is Samsung Electronics.

Aside from their struggles to get onto store shelves -- US carriers sell nine-tenths of the country’s handsets -- Chinese handset mak-

U.S. Appeals Court Strikes Down ‘Net Neutrality’

W

B

ANGALORE, India — After deliberating for months, Abhilash Sathyendra, a 25-year-old equity adviser in Mysore, India, bought his first Apple phone.

He paid 9,000 rupees, or $150, upfront for a black iPhone 4s and swiped his credit card for the remainder, six no-interest monthly payments of $62.50. “I’ve used Android phones forever, but the iPhone is hardier and makes a social statement,� said Mr. Sathyendra, whose new phone has become a conversation opener with clients. “I think I look, not wow, but cool and corporate,� he said.

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

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Friday, January 17, 2014

BUSINESS Section 2

Liar for hire? Fake CVs flood Indian job market

Job-seekers wait in line to register at a career fair held at a school in Hyderabad. (AFP)

by Abhaya SRIVASTAVA

N

EW DELHI- Managers of an IT company in New Delhi were puzzled as they sifted through a pile of CVs -- as many as 30 job seekers claimed to have worked previously for the same employer.

Unwilling to take any chances, the managers approached a firm of professional sleuths that specialises in screening background information given by prospective employees.

What emerged left them stunned.

The “employer” turned out to be an owner of a dingy oneroom mobile repair shop who was pretending to be an HR manager of a fake IT firm.

In return for money, he answered verification calls and described how the candidates had worked for him previously doing data entry.

“Our investigation revealed the conspiracy to show previous experience of three to four months for the candidates,” said Preeta Pradhan, a vice-president at background screening firm AuthBridge.

Forging qualifications, faking experience, and inventing companies -- desperate candidates are resorting to all sorts of fraud to land jobs in a tough Indian employment market.

one in five had fudged some information on their CV in 201213.

seeking top positions have also been found resorting to fraudulent tactics, said Aswathi.

As many as 51 percent submitted fake education documents.

According to the AuthBridge survey, about eight percent of offers made for leadership positions across industry in the last year were withdrawn because candidates provided false information.

Employee screening Background screening was hardly heard of in India until the turn of the millennium, and has been largely driven by the outsourcing and IT industry, one of India’s biggest economic success stories.

Foreign companies taking their back office operations to India wanted assurances that employees were reliable, while intense competition led to high staff turnover and huge recruitment needs.

The Indian Association of Professional Background Screeners pegs the size of the industry at about $32 million annually and growing fast.

“With many people competing for the same opening, the temptation to fudge is quite strong,” M. Aswathi, an HR manager in a leading IT company, told AFP. “They know that extra years of experience or a diploma from a top college could make it easier for them to grab a job or help them get a better pay package,” she said.

Low business confidence and high interest rates have led economic growth to plunge to the lowest in a decade, making private sector job opportunities harder to come by.

Figures from the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) show the number of qualified workers in the IT sector has risen 17 percent year on year, more than double the rate of growth in new jobs.

A survey by AuthBridge, which has screened millions of candidates, showed that nearly

Those faking their CVs are mainly looking for lower entry-level jobs, although those

On-site verification But catching the frauds has become more difficult, opening up a new market for companies such as Authbridge, US-based Rezource that also operates in India, and Supersoft Consultants.

They send officers to meet the references given by candidates and check the existence of companies at which applicants claim to have worked in the past.

“The need for background verifications will continue to grow as entities continue to fudge data and make false claims,” said Tejas Sanghvi from Supersoft, adding he expected the industry to grow by 15 percent per year.

Rezource meanwhile has compiled a list of 1,500 Indian companies that do not exist but give out employment letters to candidates for a price.

“One bad hire who gets through the system because the firm does not have a background check process in place will attract more entities with false and exaggerated claims,” said Sanghvi.

If you’re looking for a free way to get away from the winter weather, here’s how your credit card can help.

The summer holidays may seem a long way off, particularly with the horrendous weather we are ‘enjoying’ at the moment.

But get prepared today and you can enjoy a heavily discounted – or even free – flight when the summer months arrive.

Reward credit cards are a good way to pick up freebies, such as flights. They work by paying you in points each time you use them. You can then exchange those points for rewards.

Two of the main schemes for travel freebies are Avios (formerly known as Airmiles) and Flying Club miles from Virgin, and there are rewards cards specifically designed to help you collect even more points.

Here we’ve picked out three

of the best cards.

British Airways American Express The British Airways American Express card gives you one Avios for every £1 you spend.

If you spend £20,000 or more within the first year you’ll also receive a complimentary companion voucher to take a friend along with you on a flight.

Right now you can also earn an extra 9,000 Avios as a welcome gift, when you spend £1,000 or more in the first three months of having the card. That’s enough for a free return flight to Berlin, Milan or Paris. Save up more points and you can go even further. If you have 15,000 Avios, for example, you can exchange them for a return flight to destinations such as Rome, Lisbon, Stockholm, Helsinki, Warsaw and Budapest.

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There is no annual fee and the APR is 15.9%. To be in with a chance of opening a card you’ll need to have an annual salary of at least £30,000.

The Premium Plus version of this card will net you more Avios, comes with a 25,000 bonus Avios offer and a companion voucher when you spend £10,000. But this one has an annual fee of £150 and an APR of 56.4%. So it’s not one for everybody!

Lloyds Bank Avios Rewards American Express and MasterCard This pair of cards from Lloyds Bank are a firm favourite for stocking up on Avios. The American Express card pays our 1.25 Avios for every £1 spent while the MasterCard cards pays out the same for every £5 spent.

At the moment there’s a bonus offer of double Avios with the American Express card for the first six months, up to a total spend of £2,500 per month.

A couple of downsides with these cards are the £24 annual fee and the high representative APR of 22.7%.

Virgin Atlantic cards (MBNA) Virgin Atlantic has a similar scheme with its White and Black cards, with both coming with an American Express and Visa.

The White offering pays out one Flying Club mile for every £1 spent on the American Express card and one Flying Club mile for every £2 spent on the Visa credit card.

There’s a special bonus of-

Tel: 713-774-5140

House OKs 3-day US government spending extension WASHINGTON, January 14, 2014 (AFP) - The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a three-day extension of federal funding to allow for final debate over a recentlynegotiated $1 trillion spending bill.

remote, although both chambers eventually must pass the bill for the budget appropriations to kick in.

The chamber green-lighted the measure on a simple voice vote, a dramatic change from the political fights that marred much of last year’s fiscal debate and led to a paralyzing 16-day government shut-down in October.

Both chambers will then have until Saturday to pass the omnibus before it goes to President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature.

But with completion of the so-called “omnibus” bill that appropriates federal funds across most agencies of the government, the likelihood of another shutdown this week is

The Senate is also likely to swiftly pass the three-day extension.

The high-stakes omnibus bill sets discretionary spending limits line by line for each federal agency until September 30, when the 2014 fiscal year ends.

The budget agreement reached last month by feuding

Democrats and Republicans also sets overall spending caps for 2015. That deal marked a truce in the fiscal wars that have plagued Washington.

After two years of historic reductions, federal expenditures were set to rise again in 2014 as the deal erases painful and automatic spending cuts that were due to kick in on January 1.

Military spending, which had been set for net reductions, will increase slightly.

On top of that will come an additional $92 billion for foreign US military operations, mainly the war in Afghanistan, and $6.5 billion for extraordinary expenses linked to natural disasters.

Removal of multi-brand retail FDI to hit investments: India Inc NEW DELHI: India Inc today expressed strong displeasure over the Delhi government’s decision to withdraw approval to FDI in multi-brand retail, saying the move was likely to hinder foreign investments flowing into the country.

“It is unfortunate that the Delhi government has chosen not to allow FDI in multi-brand retail in Delhi. This will discourage International retailers planning to enter India,” Chairman of CII National Retail Committee J Suresh told PTI. In a significant decision, Aam Aadmi Party government today withdrew the approval given by the previous Sheila Dikshit dispensation to foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail in Delhi.

Terming the Delhi government’s decision as anti-investment and one that sends a wrong signal to foreign investors, industry body Assocham said: “If one party reverses the

decision of its rival dispensation upon change of guards, the policy and political risks for global investors would definitely increase in India, scaring them away”.

Last year, the central government permitted 51 per cent FDI in the multi-brand retail trading and left its implementation on the states.

Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

“The Delhi government’s decision is bound to impact the overall FDI scenario not just in Delhi but also associated states like Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab because Delhi is the hub for northern states,” PHD Chamber of Commerce President Sharad Jaipuria said.

“This direct negation without demonstrating a search for a viable alternative would hamper investment sentiment. Consumers would have benefited from choices of products at competitive prices. It has been proven time and again that both large multi-brand retail stores and small kirana stores coexist peacefully,” Ficci President Sidharth Birla said.

“According to our assessment, overall retail sector in the Delhi-NCR region has potential to attract FDI worth USD 50 billion in the next 5-6 years if supported with conducive policies. But due to this decision, it won’t materialise,” he added.

As many as 12 states, mostly Congress-led, including Delhi had agreed to allow global retailers to open super market chains. The other states include

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the party manifesto had expressed its opposition to the policy of FDI in multi-brand retail.

Delhi has become the first state to withdraw permission for FDI in retail sector.

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

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“On average, between 10 to 15 percent of bad hires are identified by a standard background check process,” Sanghvi told AFP.

Get a free flight with these credit cards

Credit Card that offer free flight

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

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

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fer for new customers of 3,000 miles with your first card purchase. You’ll also get an extra 7,000 miles if you apply before 31st March this year and spend at least £1,000 in the first 90 days.

Keep in mind that Virgin Atlantic mainly provides longhaul flights. Therefore you’ll need quite a few miles banked up to be able to get a free return flight. For example, 7,500 miles will get you flights to Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Manchester.

But if you want to go further

afield you’ll need a lot more.

London to New York is 35,000, to get to Cancun you’ll need 45,000 and Hong Kong requires 50,000 miles.

To be in with a chance of earning more, the Black card combo might be better. This one is only really suitable for frequent flyers though. You’ll earn18,500 miles with your first purchase, plus an extra 6,500 if you apply before 31st March 2014.

But these cards come with a hefty a £140 annual fee .

Avios special deals There are currently extra deals available with Avios, so keep an eye on its website. Until 20th January there are flash sales lasting 48-72 hours, offering up to 50% off Avios on selected flights, hotels and car hire.

Check the small print!

Before you apply check the small print – often you’ll need to pay taxes, fees or surcharges so the flight may not be 100% free.

Despite this, you’re still getting the actual flight cost for nothing.

SOURCE: lovemoney.com

FEATURE

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Kerala to become World Travel Bloggers’ capital

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

Your Horoscope (For week beginning Friday, January 17, 2014)

Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950

As per Indian Vedic Astrology the Moon sign is considered, in which every Rashi has control over certain letters, which are initials of your name. Whereas in Western system of Sun Sign, all the people born in one month belong to the same sign. For example, every year approximately around 21 of March to 20th April, the Sun is moving in the Aries Constellation. So all the people born in that month belong to the Sign of Aries. If you were born in between those two dates then you are a Aries born.

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April Use your ambition & your honest approach. 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. One cardinal rule is not to expect of anyone else what you would not expect of yourself. It is a point in your favor if you don’t exaggerate your accomplishments.

Kerala backwaters.

K

erala Tourism has launched an online campaign to bring the world’s best bloggers to the state for an on-the-road experience.

The ‘Kerala Blog Express’ will be a two-week-long road journey from the south to the north of the state on a branded luxury bus for which 25 bloggers from around the world will be selected for the road journey in an online voting on a website (www.keralablogexpress.com) created by Kerala Tourism.

The website, launched recently, has already received over 100,000 visits, with some top travel bloggers from India and abroad entering the race for the final selection.

The bus journey will begin on March 1, a Kerala Tourism release said in Thiruvananthapuram today.

Travel writers, photographers and bloggers who already have their own blogs are eligible to enter the selection.

The registration for ‘Kerala Blog Express’ journey ended on January 10.

Profiles of participants are available on Kerala Blog Express website for voting by the general public.

The followers of the participants on social media like Twitter and Facebook are also eligible to vote.

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May 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. With plenty of lead-time and advance planning, it needn’t be the chore it appears to be right now.

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June

The website, launched recently, has already received over 100,000 visits The online voting will be completed on Jan 15 and bloggers with the highest votes will earn seats on Kerala Blog Express, following a final review by a judging panel of the tourism department.

“This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country to attract the blogger community for a first-hand experience of our land, its geography and culture,” said Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar.

Entries had been received from as many as 80 countries, including US, UK, Poland, Spain, Germany, Canada and Indonesia.

Some of world’s best-known travel bloggers like Venezuela-born Marcello Arrambide, whose Wandering Trader is one of the most popular travels blogs on the internet and Romanian Cezar Dumitru

whose extensive travel experiences have been recorded on his Imperator Travel website are taking part.

Many writers participating in the race for the 25 seats on the Kerala Blog Express have featured in National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller and Lonely Planet.

Kerala Blog Express will travel through destinations like Alappuzha, Kovalam, Varkala, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar, Wayanad, Kochi and Bekal during the two-week journey.

The selected bloggers will also be able to participate in activities like boating in the backwaters, experience Ayurvedic treatment, and watch Kathakali performances, besides giving bath to the state’s famous captive elephants. (PTI).

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Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July A feeling of having to let go of something or someone. 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.

Because you are in overdrive, an emotional explosion could be a decisive and constructive action on a long-term work project that you are now determined to bring to a head and complete.

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August 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. Don’t forget the other person who will be waiting to applaud you.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September 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. Be the organizer, if there is someone around whom you would like to get to know better, be sure to invite them.

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct Someone or something puzzling you. 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. At times, you may feel like it’s all work and no rewards.

Scorpio (N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov

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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.

The problem is that you may have seen it coming, and now that it has come to a head, you find yourself annoyed. Just keep moving steadily along. Do not push for any unscheduled meetings or conversations. You could lose it without meaning to.

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A time to renovate, remodel or just redecorate. 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. You may need a studio where you can work on projects that express your talent.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec Your mood, which is as stable as the Lake Water. You may find it very difficult to concentrate. 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 A bit of a conflict over your various responsibilities. 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. Watch what you say to co-workers, because you may offend someone. You rarely do that intentionally, but the flak you take from a small explosion could make you uncharacteristically sensitive.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb 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. Be sure to follow up, whether the issue is personal or professional. You’ll be glad you did. You are intensely curious about something. You may have heard rumors & now is the time to check them out. One possibility is a change of management in your work structure.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March 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. You must admit, however, that their intention was in both your interests, so don’t stay mad. Stick with the plan, whatever it is, in both your professional life and your personal life. No matter how hard you try, however, a problem may erupt that you have to deal with.

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Read your detailed horoscope on www.VoiceofAsiaTVnews.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES & ORGANIZATIONS OF HOUSTON - call Voice of Asia 713-774-5140 India House Prog: Friday, Jan. 24 6PM : Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Rita & Bal Sareen Clinic.

Location: 8888 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031

Sri Meenakshi Temple Prog: Jan 18th, Saturday: 10.30 am : Thai Pongal celebration with traditional Pongal Preparation by devotees. Jan19th, Sunday: Thaipoosam; Kavadi and Paalkudam procession at 10 am and then Ratha Utsavam.

Location: 17130 McLean Road Pearland, TX 77584 Contact: (281) 489-0358 Web: www.meenakshi.org

Hare Krishna Dham (ISKCON) Prog: Everyday, 7 Aratis and bhoga offerings daily. Sunday Festival: 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Location: 1320 West 34th St, Houston, TX 77018.

Contact:281-433-1635/E-mail harekrishnadham@gmail.com Website: www.iskconhouston. org

Shri Radha Krishna Temple Prog: Location:11625 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072 Phone: 281-933-8100 Website: www.SRKT.org.

Arsha Vidya Bharati Prog.:Sanskrit classes and special worship sessions for all ages Location: 2918 Renoir, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Contact: 281-606-5607 or AVB.Houston@gmail.com Web: https://sites.google.com/ site/avbtexas/classes

Arsha Vidya Satsanga Prog: Website: www.avshouston.org Contact: 713-412-2923 / Email: ArshaVidyaHou@gmail.com

Chinmaya Mission Prog: Location:10353 Synott Road,

QR

Sugar Land, TX77498.

Phone: 832.541.0059.

Website:www.chinmayahouston. org.

Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya Temple Hrs: 9 am to noon and 5 to 9 pm.;Sri Astalaksmi puja: 7 pm. Sri Laksmi Archana will be performed on request all day.

Location:same as Chinmaya Mission.

Website: www.saumyakasi.org;

Hindu Temple of The Woodlands Location: 7601 S. Forest Gate Drive at Woodlands Parkway, Spring, TX 77382.

Contact: info@woodlandshindutemple.org, 832-585-0001 Website: www. woodlandshindutemple.org.

VPSS Houston Location VPSS Vallabh Hall, 11715 Belfort Village Dr. Houston 77031.

Contact:713-530-2900 Website:www.vpsshaveli.org

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus Samee Mosque Prog: Friday Prayer - 1:30 PM Children’s Classes | Interfaith meeting | Location: 1333 Spears Rd, Houston, TX 77067 Imam - Mohammed Zafarullah Contact : Work: 281-875-3400 | Cell: 713-874-4363 Zafarullah_Hanjra@hotmail.com www.Alislam.org

Dr.Ambedkar International Mission Inc. U.S.A Prog: Location: India House 8888 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, Texas 77031

Ashirwad - A Blessing Temple Prog: Regular prog :Sloka Classes for kids and teens.

Location: Katy, Hwy 249 & Sugar Land.

Contact: 281.995.0930/ 281.808.2159

Vedanta Society of Greater Houston

Website: www.jkphouston.org Weekly Radio Program-1460 AM Saturdays 10-11 a.m.

Sri Guruvayurappan Our Redeemer Temple Church

Prog: Vedanta teachings Sundays at 10:30 AM Location: at 14809 Lindita Dr. Houston, TX -77083.

Website: www.vedantahouston. org.

Divinity

Prog: Bhajans: Sat.7:00 -8:00 p.m.; Sundays 9:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.Location: 1620 Ormandy Street, Houston, TX 77035 Contact: 713-729-8994

Website: www.godivinity.org

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

ISSO

Prog: Every Friday Satsangh from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Bhajans and Devi Puja, Discourses.

Location: 12530 Ann Louise Road, Houston, 77086.

Phone: Contact Vishnu at (832) 309- 7181.

Prog: Darshan daily from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.; Aarti daily from 7.45 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Location: 10080 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: 281-530-2565 Web:

JVB Preksha Meditation Center

Shri Satyanarayan Sai Puja Darshan Prog: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Every Thursday Abhishek Location: 16338 Kensington Dr, Ste 110, Sugar Land 77479.

Phone: 713-933-8821 / 9359.

Gurdwara Sahib of SW Houston Prog: Sundays Dewan 10:00 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Langar Location:14811 Lindita Drive, Houston, TX 77083 Phone: 281-498-5200 Website: www.gurdwaraswh.com

Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple Prog: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra Parayanam: daily 6.30 p.m. Location:10098 Synott Road. Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: 281- 498-2344 Website: www.ashtalakshmi.org

Hindu Worship Society Prog: Open all days except Thursdays (by appt). Regular Puja and Prasad. Sunday Service 11:30 AM to 1:30 Location: 2223 Wirtcrest Lane Houston TX 77055.

Barsana Dham Houston Chapter Prog: Satsang every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: India House, 8888 West Belfort 77031 Phone: (713) 855-9818 for details

Prog: Location: 14102 Schiller Road, Houston TX 77082 Phone: 281.596.9642 Website: www.jvbhouston.org

Patanjali Yogpeeth Center Prog: Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun from 8 am to 9:30 am Location: Arya Samaj @Schiller Road.

Contact: 281-579-9433.

Websites: www.pyptusa.org

Jain Center of Houston Location: 3905 Arc St. Houston, TX 77063 Contact: 281-606-JAIN; Email: ecjsh@jain-houston.org Website:www.jain-houston.org

Durga Bari Society Prog: Sandhya Arati at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday: 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Location: 13944 Schiller Road.

Contact: 281-597-8100 Website:www.houstondurgabari. org

Gayatri Pariwar of Houston Prog: Sundays Satsang, Bal-Sanskar Shala, from 11am to 1pm.

Location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite # 307, Houston, TX 77036.

Website: http://www.gayatripariwarhouston.org/ “

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Prog: Satsang every Sunday evening from 5 - 7 p.m. Vedic heritage classes for kids 5-14.

Location: 16628 Kieth Harrow blvd. Houston, TX 77084 Contact: 281-499-3347/281-4914114.

Sathya Sai Baba Centers Prog: Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at two locations Locations: Contact: (North) 832-418-3842 or (South) 281-788-4786.

Website:www.saicenterofhouston.org

Telugu Christian Fellowship Prog; Every third Saturday 6:30 PM. Worship is in English Location: The Triumph Church, 10555 West Airport Boulevard, Stafford, TX 77477.

Contact:713-301-6444 Website:

Trinity Mar Thoma Church Prog: Sundays Malyalam service at 9:45 a.m. Every alternate weeks in English at 10:30a.m.

Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Location: 5810 Almeda Genoa Road.

Contact: 713-9771-1557/ 281261-4603.

Rekindle The Fire Ministries Prog: Houston Revival Meetings Every second Saturday of the Month. Location: New Song Christian Community Church near 59S and Wilcrest. Every fourth Saturday of the month join a lively youth revival meeting.

Website:www.rekindlethefire.org

Indian Catholics of Houston Prog: Location: Claridge Drive Houston, TX 77031 Contact:: (713) 995-6811

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center

Islamic Society of Greater Houston

Prog: Daily classes in Raja Yoga Meditation To register call or email.

Contact:832-379-8888/ Email: houston@bktexas.com Website: bktexas.com

Location: Eastside Drive Houston, TX 77098 Contact: (713) 524-6615

Bethesda Houston Tamil Church Prog: Prog: Sundays Tamil Worship: 5 – 7pm Sunday school : in English. Bethesda Family Fellowship: in English 10.30 am-12.30 pm Free Tutorial for all children Mondays & Wednesdays 5-6 pm. Ladies Bible Study: Thur 9 am.

Location: 1092, Suite F&G, Stafford. Tex 77477 Tel:281-317-7331, 281-317-7331 Website:bethesdahoustontamilc hurch.org

GHNSS Nair Service Society of Greater Houston Prog. Monthly “Karayogam” every fourth Sat. 6:00 PM. Tel: 281-261-4950/ 281-7788341

Datta Yoga Center Houston Prog: Satsang on alternate Saturdays 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Free Kriya Yoga classes.

Contact:713-854-7097 or 281205-0905 Website: dychouston.org

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Govindaji Gaudiya Math

Prog: Sundays worship 4:30 pm.

Location: All Saints Lutheran Church 1211 West Belfort Avenue, Stafford, TX Contact: 281-686-4135 / Email: pastorvj@linchouston.org

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VOICE OF ASIA 19

CLASSIFIEDS

Have you been ABUSED, ATTACKED or INJURED?

Financial Controller Sugarland, TX based multi-brand, multi-unit Quick Service Restaurant operating company is seeking a Financial Controller to join their growing team! The position has overall management responsibility for AR, AP, Payroll, Various GL Account Reconciliations, Financial Reporting, and Risk/Insurance management.

Have you experienced a traumatic event such as:

• Rape • Physical Assault • Child Abuse • A severe car accident • War • Natural distaster Does this continue to affect you with: • Upsetting memories • Irritability • Bad dreams or difficulty sleeping • Trouble concentrating • Lack of Interest in activities.

Requirements: CPA is required. 5 years’ experience in similar role and initiative to take next step and become controller of growing company. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

mood@bcm.edu

If you are a woman between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be eligible to participate in a study of an investigational medication for PTSD conducted by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the Mood and Anxiety Program at the Baylor College of Medicine. There is no cost for participation.

Email resume to hr@vkcgrp.com

RESEARCH/ INTERNET COORDINATOR KTRK-TV, an ABC owned television station seeks a detail-oriented individual with strong analytical/written/oral/communication/computer skills to assist its Research and Internet Sales departments. Research responsibilities include providing support to Research Director with audience estimates including Nielsen ratings data, utilizing Scarborough qualitative data, working with various research databases and generating data reports along with other duties as assigned. Applicant must possess strong writing skills in order to effectively generate sales onesheets/pieces.

Attention to detail is a must. Candidate must be able to master multiple tasks with proficiency and efficiency. Knowledge of media research and qualitative research required. Applicant must possess excellent analytical and numerical skills with the ability to analyze/interpret data. Internet/Digital Sales responsibilities include providing online and mobile analytics, client campaign reporting and creative trafficking for digital ads. Understanding of Omniture and Comscore a plus. Candidates must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file. Please Reference Job ID: 160321BR on all materials submitted. No phone calls please.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D. Reporting Location – Houston, TX

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014

CALL 1-877-96-BCM-MOOD (226-6663), Visit www.bcm.edu/psychiatry/mood, or email us at mood@bcm.edu if you are interested in participating.

HINDI PRARTHANA

Beauty Supply Stores for Sale

Contact Us 832-773-4457 today!

2 locations. 7000 sqft. & 3200 sqft.

Great opportunity to get into Exclusive Hair Extension and Wig business.

Direct accounts with Major Hair Companies with Zero Debt. Serious inquires only.

Owner wants to retire and spend more time with kids.

Email: sujeong95@hotmail.com

Do you need PRAYER? Do you need a MIRACLE in your life?

Can we pray for the CHILDLESS couple?

Reliable Caretaker Needed

Household Help Wanted in Houston

A family needs a reliable Caretaker full time to take care of home, cook meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner, do some light house work, weekdays and weekends. Timings are: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily, flexible some evenings. Must be able to cook South and North Indian dishes. Please have a few references.

Long term employment preferred.

Full or part time; for light

$450,000.

housekeeping and caring for small children.

Call 281-948-0404

For details, call: 832-419-7537

Houston Community College Notice of Procurement Opportunities Project: RFCSP 14-02 Austin Street Improvements & San Jacinto Memorial Green Sealed responses to the above solicitation will be received in Procurement Operations, 3100 Main Street (11th Floor), Houston, TX 77002, until 2:00 pm (local time) on the submittal date, February 06, 2014, and publicly opened in Room No. 11A07 at that time.

To obtain a copy of the solicitation documents go to our website at: www.hccs.edu (Click on: Business & Community / Doing Business with HCC / Procurement / Current Bids and RFPs).

For assistance call: 713718-5005 A second nonmandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held by the Procurement Operations Department at 3100 Main Street (11th Floor, Room 11A22) Houston, Texas 77002 on January 23, 2014 at 10:00AM (local time). HCC is an equal opportunity/educational institution, which does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability.

Visit us on www.VoiceofAsiaOnline.com

VOICE OF ASIA 20

FRIDAY, January 17, 2014