Voice of Asia Jan 31 2014

VOICE OF ASIA

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FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Aging, Stress and Health Care Read more on Page 14 Or Call 713-771-2900.

Vol. 27 No. 5 Friday, January 31, 2014 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Sareen Same Day Clinic opens at India House

Indian Americans celebrate India’s 65th Republic Day with Consul General of India

Ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Friday, January 24, 2014

Hon. Consul General, Harish Parvathaneni delivers President of India’s Address to the gathering in Houston on Sunday, January 26, 2014. Photo by Bijay Dixit

by Shobana Muratee

O

Sareens, Harris Health System officials, elected officials, Trustees and Board of India House and guests line up for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Sareen Clinic at the India House on Friday, January 24, 2014. Photo by Priyan Mathew VOA

n Sunday, January, 26th Houston Indian Americans were pleasantly surprised with a perfect day after experiencing a spate of severe weather. But most importantly, they were thankful they could come out to pay tribute to the Indian flag on India’s 65th Republic Day. The flag hoist-

by Shobana Muratee

B

al and Rita Sareen were the missing pieces of a puzzle which would finally bring forth a dimension of the India House, which its founding fathers were aspiring for since its inception – a health service facility that was easily available to the community. On Friday, January 24th was born the Sareen Same Day Clinic, a satellite clinic of Harris Health System (HHS). And it is now open to the communities at the India House Center located on 8888 W. Bellfort, Houston Texas. Nearly 200 people including elected officials, dignitaries, the India House executive committee members, the HHS officials, and guests witnessed the ribboncutting ceremony and a grand tour of the new facility on that day.

The formal program began after a solemn invocation by Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty of Chimaya Mission of Houston.

Dr. David S. Lopez, President and CEO, HHS, in his opening remarks acknowledged the efforts of Harris

Continued on Page 3

Bal and Rita Sareen (center) with L-R: son-in-law Dinesh Bakshi, daughter Sangeeta Bakshi, daughter-in-law Amy Sareen, son Lovkesh. and grand children Neel and Lila. Photo by Priyan Mathew VOA County judge Ed Emmett who had come up with the idea of pairing the HHS with the India House on a collaborative project of providing health care to the communities. “This partnership and collaboration with India House is

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a model for others to emulate; it is a model that we are very proud of and whatever we do we want to do it in a positive way. I can imagine the number of people who will benefit from Continued on Page 6

Students of the Anjali school of Performing Arts presented Kuchupudi dance at the India’s 65th Republic Day celebrations. Photo by Shobana Muratee VOA

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ing was as scheduled at the residence of the Hon. Consul General, Harish Parvathaneni’s residence in Houston at 10 am. A hundred plus Indian Americans and the staff of the Indian Consulate gathered to witness the tricolor unfurl in the clear winter sky as they sang Jana Gana Mana, the Indian national

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OP-ED/OPINIONS/COMMENTARY

VOICE OF ASIA 2

M

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

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

Voice of Asia TV News Online Editor:

Shobana Muratee

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

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

OP-ED

Decoding the President’s (of India) address

I

n his address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day, President Pranab Mukherjee seemed intent on tempering hope with caution and idealism with pragmatism. But what caught everyone’s attention was the political undertone of what he himself noted was his last address before the next government takes office. For someone who made a smooth transition from being a Cabinet Minister to becoming the President, Mr. Mukherjee was surprisingly forthright in his warning to the political class.

Justifying people’s anger at the weakening of democratic institutions, he said: “If we hear sometimes an anthem of despair from the street, it is because people feel that a sacred trust is being violated.” For those looking for a warning to the Congress, Mr. Mukherjee had more than a few words on corruption. If Indians are enraged, he said, it is because they are witnessing corruption and waste of national resources.

“If governments do not remove these flaws, voters will remove governments.” But the veiled attack on the Aam Aadmi Party, the reference to “populist anarchy”, now associated with its leader Arvind Kejriwal, captured more mind space. Arguing that populist anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance, the President said: “False promises lead to disillusionment, which gives birth to rage, and that rage has one legitimate target: those in

power.” If the reference to communal forces is taken as thumbs down to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Mukherjee appears to have spared none in his address.

Whether read as notes of caution to the Congress, or as articulation of dissatisfaction with the ways of the AAP or the BJP, these remarks assume added importance in the current political context. President Mukherjee clearly wants it to be known that he is on the side of the people and democratic institutions, not blindly supportive of governments and certainly not sympathetic to those in power. Curiously, Mr. Mukherjee also wanted the people to vote in a stable government. True, as he noted, a fractured government, “hostage to whimsical opportunists,” would be an unhappy electoral outcome. But to ask the people to vote for a stable government can mean little more than to ask them to vote for a party widely seen as the front-runner. Whether this could be taken as an endorsement of the BJP in the current context is debatable, but it could lend itself to interpretation.

So far, Mr. Mukherjee has played by the book in what he has done and what he has not, as President.

The political sub-text of his lines and their varying interpretations notwithstanding, the address provides no indication that he is about to change his approach as the President of the Republic.

Source: The Hindu

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

y Fellow Citizens, On the eve of 65th Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to all of you in India and abroad. I convey my special greetings to members of our Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Internal Security Forces.

The Republic Day commands the respect of every Indian. On this day, sixty four years ago, in a remarkable display of idealism and courage, we the people of India gave to ourselves a sovereign democratic republic to secure all its citizens justice, liberty and equality. We undertook to promote among all citizens fraternity, the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation. These ideals became the lodestar of the modern Indian State. Democracy became our most precious guide towards peace and regeneration from the swamp of poverty created by centuries of colonial rule. From within the spacious provisions of our Constitution, India has grown into a beautiful, vibrant, and sometimes noisy democracy. For us, the democracy is not a gift, but the fundamental right of every citizen; for those in power democracy is a sacred trust. Those who violate this trust commit sacrilege against the nation.

Some cynics may scoff at our commitment to democracy but our democracy has never been betrayed by the people; its faultlines, where they exist, are the handiwork of those who have made power a gateway to greed.

We do feel angry, and rightly so, when we see democratic institutions being weakened by complacency and incompetence. If we hear sometimes an anthem of despair from the street, it is because people feel that a sacred trust is being violated.

Fellow Citizens, Corruption is a cancer that erodes democracy, and weakens the foundations of our state. If Indians are enraged, it is because they are witnessing corruption and waste of national resources.

If governments do not remove these flaws, voters will remove governments.

Equally dangerous is the rise of hypocrisy in public life. Elections do not give any person the licence to flirt with illusions.

Those who seek the trust of voters must promise only what is possible. Government is not a charity shop. Populist anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance. False promises lead to disillusionment, which gives birth to rage, and that rage has one legitimate target: those in power.

This rage will abate only when governments deliver what they were elected to deliver: social and economic progress, not at a snail’s pace, but with the speed of a racehorse. The aspirational young Indian will not forgive a betrayal of her future. Those in office must eliminate the trust deficit between them and the people. Those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign: perform, or perish.

I am not a cynic because I know that democracy has this marvellous ability to self-correct. It is the physician that heals itself, and 2014 must become a year of healing after the fractured and contentious politics of the last few years.

My Fellow Citizens, The last decade witnessed the emergence of India as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The slowdown of our economy in the last two years can be some cause for concern but none for despair. The green

President of India Addresses the nation on the eve of India’s 65th Republic Day - Full Text

President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation on the eve of 65th Republic Day Celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan. (PTI) shoots of revival are already visible. The agricultural growth in the first half of this year has touched 3.6 per cent and rural economy is buoyant.

2014 is a precipice moment in our history. We must re-discover that sense of national purpose and patriotism, which lifts the nation above and across the abyss; and back on to the road of prosperity. Give the young jobs and they will raise the villages and cities to 21st century standards. Give them a chance and you will marvel at the India they can create.

This chance will not come if India does not get a stable government. This year, we will witness the 16th General Election to our Lok Sabha. A fractured government, hostage to whimsical opportunists, is always an unhappy eventuality. In 2014, it could be catastrophic. Each one of us is a voter; each one of us has a deep responsibility; we cannot let India down. It is time for introspection and action.

India is not just a geography: it is also a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation, and experience. The promise of India has sometimes been mislaid by misfortune; at other times by our own complacence and weakness. Destiny has given us another opportunity to recover what we have lost; we will have no one to blame but ourselves if we falter.

Fellow Citizens, A democratic nation is always involved in argument with itself.

This is welcome, for we solve problems through discussion and consent, not force. But healthy differences of opinion must not lead to an unhealthy strife with-

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in our polity. Passions are rising over whether we should have smaller states to extend equitable development to all parts of a state. A debate is legitimate but it should conform to democratic norms. The politics of divide and rule has extracted a heavy price on our subcontinent. If we do not work together, nothing ever will work.

India must find its own solutions to its problems. We must be open to all knowledge; to do otherwise would be to condemn our nation to the misery of a stagnant mire. But we should not indulge in the easy option of mindless imitation, for that can lead us to a garden of weeds. India has the intellectual prowess, the human resource and financial capital to shape a glorious future. We possess a dynamic civil society with an innovative mindset. Our people, whether in villages or cities, share a vibrant, unique consciousness and culture. Our finest assets are human.

Fellow Citizens, Education has been an inseparable part of the Indian experience. I am not talking only of the ancient institutions of excellence like Takshashila or Nalanda, but of an age as recent as the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, our higher educational infrastructure consists of over 650 universities and 33,000 colleges. The quality of education has to be the focus of our attention now. We can be world leaders in education, if only we discover the will and leadership to take us to that pinnacle. Education is no longer just the privilege of the elite, but a universal right. It is the seed of a nation’s destiny. We must usher in an education revolution that becomes a launching pad

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for the national resurgence.

I am being neither immodest, nor beating a false drum, when I claim that India can become an example to the world. Because, the human mind flourishes best when it is, as the great sage Rabindranath Tagore said, free from fear; when it has the liberty to roam into spheres unknown; in search of wisdom; and when the people have the fundamental right to propose as well as oppose.

My Fellow Citizens, There will be a new government before I speak to you again on the eve of our Independence Day. Who wins the coming election is less important than the fact that whosoever wins must have an undiluted commitment to stability, honesty, and the development of India. Our problems will not disappear overnight. We live in a turbulent part of the world where factors of instability have grown in the recent past. Communal forces and terrorists will still seek to destabilize the harmony of our people and the integrity of our state but they will never win. Our security and armed forces, backed by the steel of popular support, have proved that they can crush an enemy within; with as much felicity as they guard our frontiers.

Mavericks who question the integrity of our armed services are irresponsible and should find no place in public life.

India’s true strength lies in her Republic; in the courage of her commitment, the sagacity of her Constitution, and the patriotism of her people. 1950 saw the birth of our Republic. I am sure that 2014 will be the year of resurgence.

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FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

COMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 3

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Second Front Page

Friday, January 31, 2014

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Indian Americans celebrate India’s 65th Republic Day with Consul General of India Continued from Page 1 anthem.

The latter part of the program was conducted at the courtyard of the residence. After a brief welcome by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Ganga Parne, from the Consulate General of India, she spoke of the significance of the day, stating that the Republic day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect. “This day in history, 26th of January 1950 is the day when India came out of constitutional monarchy and became an independent Republic. In fact 26th January was selected as it was the day when ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence) was proclaimed in 1930,” Parne said.

Hon. Consul General P. Harish read the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation on the eve of the Republic day, a copy of which was given to every participant present on the occasion. The address touches upon many aspects of Indian polity, its history, its people and their concerns, including corruption which the president referred to as ‘a cancer that erodes democracy, and weakens the foundations of our state.”

This year, as India stands at the threshold of its General Election to the Lok Sabha, the President of India’s message states, “Those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign: perform, or perish.” His address conveyed the essence of India’s democracy.

“India has grown into a beautiful, vibrant, and sometimes noisy democracy. For us, the democracy

Mrs. Nandita Parvathaneni, Consular Deepti Ganji and members of Indian American community in Houston sing the Indian national anthem during the flag hoisting. Photo credit Bijay Dixit. is not a gift, but the fundamental right of every citizen. For those in power democracy is a sacred trust. Those who violate this trust commit sacrilege against the nation.” (Read complete Address on Page 2).

Asked to comment on his tenure in Houston and on such celebrations especially the community’s response, the Hon. Consul General P. Harish expressed, “I’m happy to be here in Houston. It has been almost a year and a half since I’ve been posted here and it’s a very vibrant and active community.

What I find especially good for example is celebrations like this on the national days of India; so many young people come

and take part. It reminds one of the celebrations in India where the students and young people take part in the national celebrations.” He expressed his thanks to the people who came out in large numbers and to part in the celebration.

As part of the celebration, students from Swaralayam Arts ranked one of the best centers for teaching Indian music in Houston - presented a performance on the occasion. Keerthana Bhat, Kruthi Bhat Sam together an ensemble of two patriotic songs: Rashtra prem ki bhavana and Bande mein tha dum. This was followed by classical Kuchupudi dance offering homage to Lord Ganesha presented by the

students from Anjali Center for Performing Arts. The dance was based on the song ‘Vinayaka Kavuthvam’ composed by Padma Vibhushan Dr. M Balamuralikrishna and choreographed by Dr. Ratna Kumar’s guru Padma Bhushan Dr. Vemapati Chinna Satyam. Dancers were Rachna Penmestha, Ravali Bhavaraju, Riya Mandalapu and Amani Parvathaneni. Each of the performers were recognized and presented with gifts by the Consul General. Gurus, Dr. Ratna Kumar and Mrs. Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhat were also honored on the occasion by the Consul General.

Refreshments prepared by the Udipi Restaurant were provided to the guests at the conclusion of the program.

Hon. Consul General P. Harish presents a certificate of appreciation to singer Keerthana Bhat on the occasion. Also seen is Ganga Parne, emcee. Photo by Bijay Dixit.

Ladies in tricolor ethnic attire pay tribute to the Indian flag.

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COMMUNITY/LEGAL

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FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Be prepared for the 2015 quota The People’s Lawyer H-1B Sophia Asare & Rahul Reddy, Attorneys at Law www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

You may not need a “credit freeze.�

Q. I believe my credit information was stolen from Target. I am concerned about identity theft and someone using my credit. Should I put a “credit freeze� on my account?

A. As you might expect, many people are concerned about what happened to Target. In my opinion, everyone whose information was stolen should check their credit card statements online regularly, to ďŹ nd any unauthorized charges, and should get a copy of their credit report to check for identity theft. Target has also provided free credit monitoring for its customers whose information was stolen, and that is an option that you should consider. Go directly to the Target website for more information.

Consumers also have the option of placing a “credit freeze� on their account, but in my opinion this may be a little too extreme and not really necessary. With just a few exceptions, a credit or security freeze prohibits a credit bureau from releasing any information in your credit report without your express authorization. A security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent.

It does protect you from identity theft. Using a security freeze, however, may interfere with the timely approval of any subsequent requests or applications regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, insurance, government services or payments, rental housing, employment, investment, license, cellular phone, utilities, digital signature, Internet credit card transaction, or other services, including an extension of credit at point of sale. For many people, a credit freeze makes many every day transactions difďŹ cult.

My opinion is that taking other steps to protect yourself, such as checking statements and credit reports, and using a credit monitor, is normally sufďŹ cient to protect you.

If you do want the maximum protection, the fee for placing a credit freeze is about is $10, which be waived if you are over 65 or have been a victim of identity theft. You also need to contact each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax (800-525-6285), www.equifax.com

T

he H-1B Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Cap season will begin on April 1, 2014. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for FY 2014 within the ďŹ rst week of the ďŹ ling period, and we expect FY 2015 to be no different. With less than three months before the start of the new H-1B season, we strongly recommend that employers get an early start on new H-1B ďŹ lings.

THE ANNUAL CAP The current annual cap on the H-1B category is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas are allotted for the advanced degree exemption limit.

Petitions ďŹ led on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap do not count toward the congressionally mandated H-1B cap. The following H-1B petitions do not fall under the cap:

• Petitions to allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

ďŹ ed LCA must be submitted at the time of ďŹ ling the H-1B petition. A copy of the LCA is acceptable.

Further, petitions for new H-1B employment are exempt from the annual cap if the beneďŹ ciaries will work at institutions of higher education or related or afďŹ liated nonproďŹ t entities, nonproďŹ t research organizations or governmental research organizations.

In addition, you must submit evidence of the beneďŹ ciary’s education credentials at the time of ďŹ ling the H-1B petition. If you are indicating that the beneďŹ ciary is qualiďŹ ed based on a combination of education and experience, substantiating evidence, such as an education evaluation, must be submitted at time of ďŹ ling. Plan accordingly for the time it will take to gather education documents and any required substantiating evidence of the BeneďŹ ciary’s qualiďŹ cations.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW If you intend to ďŹ le capsubject H-1B petitions on April 1, 2014, the earlier you get started the better. Plan accordingly for Department of Labor (DOL) Labor Condition Application (LCA) (Form ETA 9035) processing times as you begin preparing your H-1B petitions. A certi-

• Petitions to extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the United States. • Petitions to change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers.

Experian (888-397-3742), www.experian.com TransUnion (800-680-7289), www.tuc.com A Security Freeze remains on your credit ďŹ le until you remove it or choose to lift it temporarily when applying for credit or credit-dependent services.

Q. Can I be put in jail for non-payment of credit card balance?

A. No, there is no debtors prison in Texas. In fact, any threat by a debt collector to put have you arrested probably violates state and federal debt collection laws.

Q. I bought a used car with 34,000 miles. It was sold “as is.� I recently discovered that the engine is shot and must be completely over-hauled. I have only had this car for a few months.

I have been told that there is a defect in the motor that was there when I bought it. Is there anything I can do legally?

A. As a general rule, whenever you buy a used car you buy at your own risk. Most used cars are sold “as is,� and this means that the only protection you get is whatever warranty exists. If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you have no rights against the seller.

The major exception to this rule is the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. For example, if the seller misrepresented the condition of the engine, or knew about the engine problem and failed to disclose it, you may have rights under this law. If you were successful under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, you could recover up to three times your damages and attorneys fees. To learn more about this law, check out my website below.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

IIT appreciates its 2013 Global Conference Volunteers “We exceeded everybody’s expectations. Content took precedence over socializing during the conference, as the result of which all sessions where packed,” Anand added. He also mentioned that the former president of Mexico, Mr. Vicente Fox was highly impressed by the IITans and wanted to host the same event in Mexico.

“He also plans to visit Mumbai on February 12 to figure out how they can build an institute in Mexico based on the IIT model. He recognizes the vision of the founding fathers of India and he wants to emulate that for Mexico,” said Anand.

IIT Chairman Pratish Kanani presents a token of appreciation to Witty Bindra, former Chairman. Photos by Shobana Muratee, VOA

by Shobana Muratee

S

UGAR LAND - Almost a month after delivering a stupendously successful IIT Global Conference during the month of December 2013 where over 1750 attended, members of the IIT alumnus decided that it was now time to relax and rejoice. But most of all it was time to appreciate all the good work, tireless hours and sleepless nights that went into the planning, executing and delivering of the conference. Subsequently on Friday, January 24th an informal get-together was held at the Madras Pavilion in honor of the volunteers who made the conference a hit.

from content, to planning, to programming and all the way to execution. We went into excruciating detail to make sure that the people who attended - who gave us their time and their money - got something in return that would change their life in the future.” Feedback from leading companies was very encouraging for some of them had commented that it was the best that they had attended.

He went on to speak about the loyalty and kinship of the IIT people.

Asked what do they (IIT alumnus) give back to the people back in India, Anand said, “Money is the easiest thing to give. We give them time; we mentor them give motivational talks and guidance on how to become global citizens.”

The core administrative team: l-R: Dhruba Ghose, Pradeep Anand, Tapan Das and Partha Chaterjee.

The theme of IIT 2013 Global Conference was ‘Inspiring Innovation for Tomorrow and it featured internationally acclaimed speakers like Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate, Andrew Gould, Chairman, BG Group; Former Chairman & CEO, Schlumberger, Vicente Fox, Former President of Mexico and a few others The next IIT 23rd global conference is going to be held in New Del-

Witty Bindra, immediate past president, welcomed the guests and recognized all the volunteers who were a part of the conference. The new President Pratish Kanani presented Witty with a gift certificate on behalf of IIT members as a token of appreciation for his contributions and achievements during the preceding year.

The winning and working team of volunteers: L-R: Sunil Pangankar, Vivek Kishore, Harsh, Easwarr Ayyar, Pradeep Anand, Kush Tandon, Mohan Natrajan and Sanjay Jain.

Pradeep Anand, Chair, IIT Global Conference 2013 said, “What we stand for is excellence. When we put the conference together it was very clear that there would be no mediocrity. So every aspect of the conference was focused on excellence:

NAACH Houston the Bollywood Dance and Fitness guru and founder Mahesh Mahbubani along with his fellow dancer presented a few Bollywood dance moves to the IITans and their families, who got thoroughly

hi in December, 2014. And the one after that will be held in San Jose in the US.

Mahesh Mahbubani of NAACH Houston shows the guests some Bollywood dance steps

engaged and danced away for most part of the evening. Mahbubani took the opportunity to introduce his Bombay Jam Fitness classes at NAACH. He urged the guests to try out his trial sessions as well. The guest enjoyed an evening of togetherness with dance and a gourmet spread of Indian dishes at the Madras Pavilion.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Sareen Same Day Clinic opens at India House which supplied engineered electrical and mechanical equipment to industry. In 2011 the company expanded to the Houston region by opening a plant in Pearland Texas. Their son Lovkesh (also known as Kevin) manages the plant with the support of his sister Sangeeta Bakshi and brother-in-law Dinesh Bakshi.

Continued from Page 1 what we did today.”

Then Dr. Lopez thanked all those who were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

Dr. Lopez recognized the elected officials and dignitaries present, prominent among those were: US Congress Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Hon. Consul General of India, Harish Parvathaneni, Senator John Cornyn’s Representative Jay Guerrero, and Houston City Councilmember Mike Laster. Some notable Harris Health System officials who were present and recognized were: George V. Masi, Executive Vice President and COO, HHS, Beth Cloyd, Executive Vice President, Clinic Operations and CNE, HHS, Ericka D. Brown, MD, Senior Vice President/Administrator, Ambulatory Services, HHS, George Santos, Member, HHS Board of Managers, Carolyn Truesdell, Chair, HHS Board of Managers and also present was Stephen Greenberg, MD, Chief of Medicine, Ben Taub Hospital and Dean of Medical Education, Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Lopez also made a special mention of Dr. Atul Vardhachary and thanked him for his stout support.

Bal and Rita have been married for 42 years. They enjoy spending time with their two children and three grandchildren who live in Houston.

“Thank you for your friendship and we’re looking forward to your further guidance to India House,” Dr. Agrawal said and on behalf of IH presented them with a plaque of appreciation.

Elected officials present a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Bal and Rita Sareen. Seen L-R: Dr. Durga Agrawal, India House Trustee, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Rita Sareen, Bal Sareen, Congressman Al Green, and India House Chief Medical Director, Dr. Virendra Mathur. Standing behind are Senator John Cornyn’s Representative Jay Guerrero, and Houston City Councilmember Mike Laster. Photo by Priyan Mathew.

A resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Bal Sareen professed that he always had the affinity to Houston and wanted to be called a Houstonian. His ties with the bayou city grows stronger since his children and grandchildren live here, has his business and now the Sareen Clinic that he supports. Sareen recounted his first involvement with the Houston Indians and the organizations: The Hindu Worship Society and the Punjabi Culture Club. It was here he said that he had met Dr. Paul Mehta, a well known and highly respected community leader who was also a

Earlier, Dr. Lopez recognized some of the India House Trustees: Bal Sareen, Dr.Durga Agrawal, Dr. Virender Mathur, Charlie Yallamanchelli, Brij Agrawal, Gopal Sajanai, and Jugal Malani.

He also recognized the executive committee of the India House. “Together we will be held accountable for what we do here in a positive way,” he said.

“This is really is humanity at its best. I can’t say that often enough,” said Judge Emmett prior to presenting a proclamation.

Mentioning his A section of well equipped of Re-Hab facility at the Sareen Clinic at the India House. Photo by Shobana Muratee. VOA ‘great ties’ with the Indian American Dr. Ericka Brown emceed the pro- donation of two families who gave $1 community and gram, giving an account of the Sa- million each - the OP Jindal family, especially with India House, he spoke reen Clinic and Harris Health Sytem which the building is named for, along his thoughts, “We have this facility, project, which she said is backed by with Charlie and Angela Yalamanchili we have people that want to provide the Baylor College of Medicine. “We - India House began to take shape and a clinic and we have a hospital district provide services for anyone 18 months eventually by 2008, services were that wants clinic, so let’s just put them and older. Here we will also provide started. together and get out of the way.” And increased access to physical therapy,” Dr. Mathur presented a 5 minute that’s what he said he did, bringing toshe said. She thanked Dr. Stephen video that encapsulated how the cen- gether two great organizations. Judge Greenberg who made the project pos- ter came about and explained all the Emmett said that it won’t ever happen sible, and also acknowledged her staff services it provides. “We recognize without the benefactors. members Vivian Dunlop, Administra- that the healthcare service was the Hon. Consul General of India, Hartive Director, Rehab, Sareen Clinic, most important services, and many ish Parvathaneni observed that of the Jamie Mathis, MSN, RN, Administra- physicians were enthusiastic to offer 3.2 million strong Indian population tive Director, Sareen Clinic and Alvin their time and skills to help out,” he in the US today, Indian origin doctors Sumler, Project Manager, Planning said, which resulted in establishing a were anywhere between 8 to10% (acand Facility Management. She later mini clinic and starting a well woman cording to last census). The percentage introduced Dr. Virendra Mathur, India clinic. “I realized that the need was would be far higher when you considHouse to speak about India House. much more so we started looking for er the percentage of Indian Americans Speaking of the genesis of the India House, Dr. Mathur said, “We had a vision of having our own community center where we could not only blend in the mainstream of our adopted country but also share the values of our different cultures.” The land was bought in 2000 with the help of several Indian Americans and philanthropists, and plans for the community center were in gear. With the initial

opportunities to expand.” Just two years ago the idea to partner with Harris Health system blossomed, mainly due to the initiative of Judge Ed Emmett and the whole-hearted support of George Masi, and the Sareen clinic became a possibility. Finally, Dr. Mathur related that IH President Jugal Malani couldn’t be there due to a family emergency.

here in Houston he said. “So how do they give back? The India House clinic”, he said “was an institutional arrangement, a perfect platform for the doctors, the physicians to give back to the community. It is also an excellent platform which indicates that all politics are local and healthcare is also local,” he added.

Congressman Al Green also spoke

Hon. Consul General of India, Houston, P. Harish delivers his message on the Sareen Clinic Ribbon Cutting day. Photo by Shobana Muratee.VOA on the occasion acknowledging the contributions of the Sareens, and other major donors: the Jindal family and the Yallamanchelli for their generosity and vision. Speaking of the clinic he said, “It is going to provide a lot of relief to Ben Taub, Baylor and other facilities wherein emergency treatment is being given. Because a lot of those patients who would know other places to go.”

Dr. Durga Agrawal, Trustee and former president of India House introduced the clinic’s benefactor, Bal Sareen. A Mechanical Engineer from IIT Delhi, Bal Sareen came to the USA in 1974 with his wife Rita and two year old son Lovkesh. Bal pursued higher education at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on the Commonwealth scholarship. In 1999 he started his company Brask, Inc in Sulphur, Louisiana. An Industrial Equipment and Engineering Company

Board member of India House.

“One day he came to me and said, ‘Bal you should join the India House.

Actually I’ve told them that you will join.’ He kind of laid out what I need to, and how could I refuse he was like an older brother to me,” Bal said.

Dr. Mehta is no more, but who could gauge that his chance connection with Sareen would culminate into such a long standing, constructive relationship with the India House. Bal thanked the IH executive committee and the HHS officials for giving him the opportunity to give back and pledged his continued support to them.

In conclusion, Mrs. Nalini Mathur introduced classical dancer and teacher Kusum Sharma, owner of Nataraja School of Dance who presented a short segment of entertainment along with her students. This was followed by an elaborate dinner prepared by the popular Narin’s Bombay Brasserie.

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

India’s 65th Republic Day Celebrated at India House

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Congressman Poe meets with Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar

Dr. S. Jaishankar (left) with Congressman ted Poe

Congressman Poe had a great meeting earlier today with Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar. In their meeting, they spoke about how the U.S. is a safe, reliable and market-based provider of energy and should sell more oil and gas to India. They also discussed how our countries must work together to counter terrorism and the prospects for immigration reform, particularly that highskilled visas should be a priority.

Children and adults join in the 65th India’s Republic Day celebrations in the front lawns of India House Center.

by Shobana Muratee

H

OUSTONHours after the formal flag hoisting ceremony held at the residence of Hon. Consul General of India, Houston, P. Harish, many Indian Americans joined in the India’s 65th Republic Day Celebrations at the India House Center to show their respect, solidarity and support to the Motherland, India. Many community leaders as well as India House members were there to witness the

flag honoring. Young members of the Santh Nirankari Mission, Houston rendered the national anthems of the USA and India. Dr. Virendra Mathur, India House Director did the honors of reading India’s President Shri Pranab Mukerjee’s Address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day in its entirety (Full text on Page 2).

The India House has been observing India’s national days like the Independence and the Republic Day to instill the values

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among the younger generation of Indian Americans. The India House is the Center where the Indian Americans congregate

to celebrate Indian festivals and other events. Recently, on January 24th, the Center opened the Sareen Clinic, a same day, non-

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emergency, satellite clinic of the Harris Health System which will cater to the basic health needs of all the communities.

Guests were given a tour of the facility on that day. Senator John Cornyn’s Representative

Jay Guerrero, and Sugar Land Council member, Himesh Gandhi presented a proclamations to the India House Board members on the occasion. Refreshments were served to the guests who attended the function.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Foundation for India Studies participates at MLK Jr. Grande Parade

Dr. Ramesh “Cherry” Cherivirala announces bid for Fort Bend ISD Trustee Position 1 New York Life Insurance Company in its Sugar Land office.

As a partner his responsibilities include hiring, developing and supervising insurance agents and financial professionals. Dr. Cherivirala is an 11 year resident of Sugar Land. He is married with two children in Fort Bend schools. Cherivirala has been married for 20 years to his wife Anuradha. Dr. Cherivirala’s father is a retired teacher and his wife taught at HISD and FBISD as substitute teacher.

Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala

S

UGAR LAND – Dr. Ramesh “Cherry” Cherivirala, a Sugar Land Resident, announced his intention to run for Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustee, Position 1 in the May 10, 2014 election.

Members of the he Foundation for India Studies with the participants at the MLK Parade.

H

OUSTON: The Foundation for India Studies (FIS) is the only Indo- American Non-profit organization that participates every year in the Martin Luther King,Jr.’s Grande Parade in Downtown, Houston to promote the parade’s vision of achieving equality through education. Dr. King drew his inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of peace and non-violence to carry out in America the fight for equality in the nonviolent civil rights movement.

On January 20, 2014, the FIS Board and its members walked In the MLK Jr Grande parade under the FIS banner. The FIS banner depicts both Mahatma Gandhi and MLK Jr., the apostles of peace and nonviolence who shared the same vision and same path to serve their nations. The event chairs for this year’s parade were Dr. Rajender Aparasu and Mr. Raghavender Nednur.

The crowds cheered and offered “namaste” as the FIS team walked. “ Namaste” is the humble greeting of Peace and Non-violence which Indians use as a sign of welcome to everyone. “Gandhi Ji” caught the attention of thousands of spectators who thronged all along the parade route.

Mr. Suresh Shah, a teacher and resident of Kingwood, dressed as Mahatma Gandhi walked with the stick with folded hands offering the peaceful greeting “Namaste”.

Several parade watchers stopped by to take a picture with him. Indo American adults and children joyfully participated in the cool weather.

Like every year, numerous school bands and cheerleading teams participated in the parade. These bands and dances impressed the large holiday crowds on mild winter weather. Commentators covering the event live, which was later shown in the evening broadcasts, talked about how MLK Jr. adopted Gandhi’s principles of peace and non-violence.

Mrs. Parul Fernandes, President of FIS, shared with TV media the vision and goals of the FIS and the importance of the sharing the values and contributions of Indians.

Several children who participated in the MLK Jr Grande Parade and walked under the FIS banner were surprised with the attention the “Gandhi Ji” received.

“It was great to see that people recognize Mahatma Gandhi,” Aakarsha Saridey (Age 10) commented. Apoorv Nednur (Age 9) and Pranav Konduri (12) felt proud to represent the Indian community and be recognized. Saureesh Aparasu (Age 10) said “It is exciting to be part of the parade and distribute flyers about Mahatma Gandhi and MLK Jr. “ Parul Fernandes, President of FIS said: “We are Indo-Americans and, we are definitely connected with America because our leaders Mahatma Gandhi

and Dr. King believed in the same ideologies and imbibed in us the values of peace and non-violence. In addition, while living here in America we support such activities because we are no different from those born here. United we are stronger and we want everyone pres-

ent to know that. It is FIS’s vision to let the world know about India and its contribution to the world though education.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “ an eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind so non-violence makes the world see the truth”.

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

“Growth of any city can be directly attributed to the quality of the schools in its neighborhoods.

Economic growth in the Fort Bend ISD is clearly evident by the quality of the schools in the district. I believe it is our moral responsibility to provide the resources to nurture and challenge our future leaders. By providing the opportunities for all students to learn where they might best contribute to the society helps our community thrive, said Cherivirala.

Dr. Cherivirala is a partner at

Ramesh Cherivirala served in PTO organizations at Rita Drabek Elementary and Quail Valley Middle Schools as Treasurer and parliamentarian. He is the founding President of Dulles High School Math and Science Academy Booster Club and served the organization for two years. He has also helped other high schools to start their booster clubs.

He has served several IndoAmerican and Asian community non-profit organizations such as South Asian Chamber of Commerce, India Culture Center, Telugu Cultural Association, India House, Indo-American Political Action Committee, 8020 PAC, Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) and Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir under various capacities. Dr. Cherivirala is currently serving IACF as its President. As part of the IACF education initiative, he has helped coordinating the efforts of educating the elementary school

children through providing the tutors to teach Math and Science Curriculum.

His notable achievements/contributions as a President of ICC (an umbrella organization for all of Indians in Houston) include an installation of the Mahatma Gandhi (an apostle of truth and non-violence) Statue at Hermann Park. As President of ICC he led the efforts to raise funds for Tsunami Victims in 2004 and represented the Indo-American Community at Bush/Clinton Fund.

He is one of the three founding members of India House Council which made a community Center possible for Houstonians at West Belfort and Gesner to serve community at large.

“My decision to seek election as a Trustee is my passion for education. I believe my experience in financial industry, leadership and management skills will be an asset to the Board of Trustees. I believe in excellence in Education and fiscal responsibility,” said Cherivirala. “I will work with the Board of Trustees and the community to make sensible decisions for our teachers, parents, students, and taxpayers of Fort Bend ISD. A Campaign Kick Off is scheduled for February 12, 2014 at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. For additional information or to sign up as a volunteer, contribute, or make comments, please visit Ramesh Cherivirala’s website www.ramesh4fbisd.com

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 9

ICC Elects its new Executive Committee for 2014

L-R: Falguni Gandhi,Treasurer, Harshad Patel, Vice President, Chandrakant (Charlie) Patel, President, Manisha Mehta, Pro-temp Secretary and Prakash Patel outgoing President.

I

ndia Culture Center (ICC) Houston held elections for its 2014 Executive Committee on January 26, 2014 at India House. The elections were monitored by the Election Committee comprising of Ashok Dhingra, Satish Jhingran and Ramesh Anand.

The new Executive Committee which takes office on February 1st 2014, is lead by Chandrakant (Charlie) Patel as President, Harshad Patel as Vice President, Falguni Gandhi as Treasurer and Manisha Mehta as pro tem Secretary. Prakash Patel will be continuing as Past President in the Executive Committee for 2014.

All the positions were filled in unanimously.

Charlie Patel has been a young, pleasant temperamental, energetic Director since 2010 who has been volunteering with ICC. He had been a silent and dedicated Director and has put lots of hours at various ICC events in the planning, background and logistics.

He has always been stage and limelight shy. Originally a resident of Bhiwandi, Maharashtra; he has been in Houston for the last 14 years and runs a chain of successful Gift & Card stores in Downtown Houston. He brings with him financial, business experience and still is totally passionate about non profit organizations. He has volunteered with other organizations in past like Gujarati Samaj of Houston and Hindus of Greater Houston and IHA. While accepting the premier position of ICC, he promised to work closely with the ICC Board, Trustees and the partnering organizations.

He spoke about enhancing ICC level and adding 2 more events during 2014 in addition to the ICC Signature events.

The present ICC Board of Directors at Large are Charlie Patel, Harshad Patel, Falguni

Neel Kashkari to run for governor

S

ACRAMENTO, (AP): When Neel Kashkari announced he was running for governor last week, he became the latest Californian of Indian descent to step onto the political stage, the most recent example of a rising trend in one of America’s most ethnically diverse states.

Kashkari is part of a surge of second-generation Indians emerging in politics, despite their relatively small population in California.

While Sikh Californians have been farming in California’s Central Valley for nearly a century, the last couple of decades have brought a wave of technology workers and entrepreneurs into Silicon Valley, where they have formed a tight-knit, supportive and financially successful community.

Tapping into that donor base will be key to the Republican Kashkari’s campaign, even if many donors will have to cross party lines to support him.

The growing roster of candidates and elected officials of Indian descent includes Democrat Ami Bera, a doctor who holds a Sacramento-area congressional seat; Democrat Ro Khanna, who is challenging for another in the San Francisco Bay Area; Vanila Singh, a Republican who recently announced she is entering the same Bay Area race; and Republican Ricky Gill.

Gandhi, Manisha Mehta, P V Patel, Col Raj Bhalla, Rajiv Bhavsar, Prasad

meeta Singh, Hemant Patel,

Kalva, Sridhar Dadi, Nirmala Patel, Mahesh Wadhwa, Jas-

For more information visit www.icchouston.org

Nisha Mirani, Ajit Patel and Girish Naik.

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

LIFESTYLE

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Vol. 27

No. 5 Friday, January 31, 2014

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Urban gardens greening Houston’s Interior Designer Berlin rooftops, airfield on Nate Berkus’s ‘American Dream Builders’ TV show

by Yannick PASQUET

B

ERLIN, (AFP) - Tomatoes, veggies and herbs are sprouting from Berlin parks, a shopping mall rooftop and even a former airfield in community gardens that pioneer farmers say add green spice to urban life.

Perhaps the best-known city gardens are on the former Tempelhof Airport, almost the size of New York’s Central Park, which hails from the Nazi era and became the site of the Cold War Berlin Airlift.

In the shadows of its grand terminals, between cracked runways and disused towers, the green-fingered now lovingly tend to organic rucola, chilli peppers and bean sprouts grown in elevated wooden crates.

In summer, cucumbers, celery and basil grow in the shade of sunflowers in these vast urban community gardens. A beehive set among the plots recently produced the first batch of honey stamped “Tempelhof Airport”.

During the day, the hobby farmers work with wheelbarrows, shovels and garden hoses. At sunset, their mud-caked hands grasp cool cans of beer to celebrate the collective spirit of their grassroots movement.

One area, “Allmende-Kontor”, takes its name from a medieval form of community gardening, while its neighbour “Ruebezahl Garten” is named after a folklore mountain spirit known from legends and fairy-tales.

But the movement has spread far across the once-divided German city. In the district of Wedding, a group is now planning to grow carrots and strawberries on the roof of a supermarket, the latest of the Berlin rooftop gardens.

Nina Magon Allotments are seen between the runways at Tempelhof Airport, home to one of Europe’s biggest and most unusual community gardens. (Odd Andersen, AFP) “The idea is to grow vegetables but also to join in a group project, do something together, it’s a place where everyone takes part,” says Burkhard Schaffitzel, one of the founders of “Ruebezahl Garten”.

“People come from all walks of life, from Turkish immigrant to students to retirees,” added Gerda Muennich, one of the leaders of “Allmende-Kontor”, which has about 300 tenants and a waiting list of another 200.

‘Politics in the lettuce patch’ Plants are grown in aboveground containers because the city does not allow permanent

plots, but also because growers want to avoid potentially contaminated city soil and even unexploded ordnance from the war.

While rough plywood boxes are standard, other gardeners opt to rear their fruits and vegetables in more unusual settings, including cooking pots, old shoes, a hiking backpack and on an old office chair.

At the garden in Tempelhof, a ‘town square’ has sprung up where a bicycle repairman has set up shop in a battered old caravan and gardeners enjoy their home-grown fare with barbecued sausages.

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ina Magon, Principal Designer, Contour Interior Design of Houston was selected last year as one of the 12 best and the brightest interior designers and home builders in the USA for a a new reality competition series, American Dream Builders, on NBC. NBC recently made the official announcement of the show.

Magon, a former beautyqueen, has made her mark as an exclusive, high-end custom homes Interior Designer and Builder. Her work has been featured in the 2011 Houston Modern Home Tours and we were nominated by Houston’s Best Prism Awards

for 2012 for Best Designer and Home Builder. Magon owns two Companies in Houston; ‘Contour Interior Design’ and ‘Capital Builders’. Established in 2006, Capital Builders continues to deliver ‘Unique and stylish living, flawless design with attention to every detail and faultless construction management,” to its clients.

More on company http:// capitalbuildershouston. com/ Nate Berkus, the famed interior designer and producer is the host and judge of the show. He is joined by co-founder of landscape architecture firm EDGE and former NFL running back

Eddie George, and star of HGTV’s Designed to Sell and designer Monica Pedersen.

To meet “magazine-worthy designs,” Berkus says, “We had to start with a great cast capable of reaching that level of design. They had to be established — a group focused on maintaining their hard-earned reputations.

Each week the contestants will be pitted against each other in two massive, transformative home-renovation projects, ultimately competing for a cash prize of $250,000. www.domainehome.com/ cast-of-american-dreambuilders.

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 12

Friday, January 31, 2014

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Tel: 713-774-5140

Why Is This Year’s Sundance opens door on Chinese So Dangerous for Web junkie detox camps - Interview Flu Young Adults?

The first country in the world to declare Internet addiction as a medical condition, China has created military-run bootcamps to rid young people of their online addiction, and a documentary takes an inside look at the situation.

by Kiera Butler, (Mother Jones, 01.27.14)

Y

ou’ve probably heard by now that this year’s flu season is a bad one. Below is a guide to the viruses that are going around now, plus a refresher on flu basics.

Is the flu widespread where I live?

Probably: How many people have died so far this year?

Twenty-eight children have died so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not keep track of adult deaths. That’s because states are not required to report flu deaths to the CDC. Older adults often die of flu complications or secondary infections rather than the flu itself, so tracking flu deaths is not an exact science. That said, in California, the death toll is currently at 146, including 95 people under the age of 65. At this time last year, just 9 Californians under 65 had died of the flu, and by the end of the season, a total of 106 people had died.

How does this year’s season compare to last year’s?

People sit around laptop computers at a cafe in Beijing, on May 29, 2013 (AFP/File, Ed Jones)

by Romain RAYNALDY

P

ARK CITY, (AFP) Chinese authorities have created militaryrun bootcamps to wean teenage Internet “junkies” off their online addiction -- and a new documentary opens the door on what goes on inside.

With 24 million young people spending more than six hours a day online, China is the first country in the world to recognize Web dependency as a medical condition, according to “Web Junkie,” in competition at the Sundance Film Festival.

Filmmakers Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia gained access to one of some 400 Chinese detox centers for adolescents aged 13-18 considered as addicted, notably to online videogames.

“China is the first country to declare Internet addiction as a clinical disorder and to take action,” Medalia told AFP. Their film focuses on three children sent by their parents to the center.

For a month, the three boys -- no girls were interviewed

for the documentary -- alternate military obstacle courses, medical treatment and family therapy, at a cost of 10,000 yuan ($1,650), twice the average monthly salary in Beijing.

“These parents are really desperate. They bring their kids there because it’s their last resort, they really want to help them,” said Medalia. “People have to pay a lot of money for it, it’s not subsidized by the government.

“They borrow money from family and friends.”

The documentary doesn’t go into all the details of treatment at the center -- there are bizarre scenes of patients with heads covered in a helmet of wires, in theory to monitor their brain activity -- although it does show how desperate the teenagers get when deprived of an online fix.

One is shown begging his parents to let him out, vowing in exchange to play “for only four hours a day online.”

Another boasts of having once played for 300 hours straight, barring a few short naps.

Shlam said she was not con-

vinced that all of them are really addicted. Although some probably are.

“Is it an addiction or a social phenomenon? They don’t think they have an addiction. But which addict will admit that he is an addict?” she asked.

“I think that you can call it addiction when you don’t function in your own life. The children are dropping out from school, they’re going to the Internet cafes day and night, they put a diaper on, not to miss one minute of the game.”

Shlam pointed to two main reasons for the Chinese phenomenon: the country’s longstanding one-child policy and a “very strict and competitive” education system.

“Because there is one child and the future of his family is on his shoulders, the parents are pushing and pushing them to be a better student,” creating intense pressures from which they seek to escape, she said.

Even those running the camps admit that the “cure” they offer is only temporary.

Whereas it’s possible to keep a drug addict from getting heroin, “How do you manage it, because we are so dependent on the Internet for the work and for communication?” asked Medalia.

The main indicator of success is probably whether the teenagers can return to some kind of normal social life. For a month, they are helped to relearn how to talk face-to-face with their peers, and not via the Internet.

“That’s what one of the children said in the film: ‘When I feel lonely, I go to the Internet and I find another lonely person on the other side,’” said Shlam.

Online addiction is also the subject of another film in competition at the US independent film festival, which runs until Sunday at the Park City, Utah ski resort.

“Love Child” focuses on a case that shocked South Korea in 2010 when a three-month old baby died of malnutrition after her parents spent more time online at a cybercafe than looking after their young infant.

As the chart below shows, so far, this season is milder in terms of number of cases. However, CDC spokesperson Jason McDonald notes that more people between the ages of 18 and 64 have been hospitalized for flulike symptoms this year than in previous years. This season’s predominant virus strain is H1N1—which, when it originated in 2009, also sent an unusually high number people in the 18-to-64 age range to the hospital. Epidemiologists don’t know why H1N1 hits younger people hard, but one theory, says McDonald, is that older adults have built up more immunity to it. H1N1 is similar to the virus that caused the Spanish Flu of 1918, and also to strains that circulated in the ’60s and ’70s. Another possible factor: Only about 30 percent of younger adults get flu shots, compared to about 40 percent of older adults.

Is there a cure for the flu?

Doctors sometimes use antiviral medications to treat the flu—but it’s worth noting that, according to McDonald, about 1 percent of the H1N1 strains that the CDC has tested are resistant to a common antiviral drug. Although over-the-counter medications can make flu symptoms less severe, a recent

a week or more,” he said. But the most distinctive feature of the flu is its sudden onset. “You could be feeling fine at 10 and very sick at noon.”

If the flu season has peaked, should I still get a flu shot?

Yes. A typical flu season is 10 to 12 weeks long—so if it just peaked, that means there’s still another 5 or 6 weeks left. The caveat: The shot takes about two weeks to kick in, so even if you got the shot today, you could still come down with the flu, said Allen. Even if you think you’ve already had the flu this year, you should get a shot; it’s possible (though unlikely) that you could still come down with a different strain.

Can you get the flu from the flu shot itself?

No. That’s impossible, since the virus in the shot is not alive.

You might get soreness, irritation, or even a fever after the shot, but that’s your body reacting to the shot, not the flu.

Why is there a “season” for the flu?

Last flu season, Jeffrey Shaman, a flu researcher and assistant professor in the department of environmental health sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, told me that there are several reasons. Some have to do with us humans: In the winter, we spend more time indoors sneezing on each other.

During this time of short days and long nights, we don’t get as much vitamin D or melatonin—both thought to be essential for healthy immune system function. Then there’s the virus itself: It seems to thrive when absolute humidity is low, a common condition in cold winter weather.

So that’s why the flu is so bad this year—the drought! So climate change actually made the flu worse, right?

Wouldn’t it be nice if epidemiology were that easy? Unfortunately, it’s not. If that were the case, you’d never see the flu in hot, humid places. Other variables make it impossible to predict flu seasons based on weather alone.

It’s worth noting, though, that in a 2012 paper, Shaman and his colleagues did document that each of the four flu pandemics of the 20th century were preceded by La Niña cycles, likely because birds mingled with each other differently during these unusual weather patterns.

The flu strains that they were carrying probably hybridized

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study found that fever reducers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen actually help spread the flu by making people feel well enough to leave the house before they’ve kicked the virus.

How do I even know I have the flu? How can my doctor tell?

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To know for certain, you’d

need to have a blood test. But most doctors won’t do that, since it won’t really change the treatment (rest, drink fluids).

But there are some key differences between a bad cold and a flu, CDC spokesman Curtis Allen told me last flu season.

“You will be running a high temperature for several days, and it will keep you in bed for

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and created a strain so new that humans had no immunity to it.

Since, as we recently learned from this Climate Desk video, climate change does interact with El Niño/La Niña cycles, it’s not completely out of the question that global warming could affect flu transmission, at least indirectly. (Source: Mother Jones.)

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FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

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Jaipur girl Ruhi to Preet Kamal is looking forward to the release of her make film debut debut film Babloo Happy Hai!

by Richa Shukla

T

here has been no dearth of talented names from Jaipur who have made a place for themselves in the film industry. Latest to join the bandwagon is city girl Ruhi who is making her acting debut with one of the oldest banners of the country, Bombay Talkies Studio, with their revival venture Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee

opened new doors for people like me who also want to venture into international singing.”

She has no professional training in singing, but she is quite good at rapping. An adventurer at heart, Ruhi loves exploring new places with a passion for singing. She has also tried her luck at beauty pageants and catwalk modelling. She was among the top 20 finalists of Miss India in

P

reet Kamal, who will make her Bollywood debut with National Award winning director Nila Madhab Panda’s Babloo Happy Hai, is looking forward to the release of her first film.

The young actor completed her masters from UK, returned to India to pursue her passion.

She joined an acting course in Mumbai, and was lucky to bag an offer from the producers of Babloo Happy Hai, which also stars Sahil Anand, who made his debut with Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan in Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year.

Preet reveals that, just like every girl, being an actor was her childhood dream. “It was somewhere in high school that I realized the importance of a good degree, living an independent life and being responsible.

So after finishing my graduation and MBA, I moved back here to make my dream come true. My passion for cinema, brings me here. ” says Preet.

Preet plays the role of Tammana in the film a young, snob-

bish, no-nonsense girl, who gets what she wants. Babloo Happy Hai is a love story of today’s youngsters, and what they think love and sex is in the times of multiplexes and fast cars. The film is slated to release on February 7.

Ruhi is starring opposite Abhay Kumar, who is the grandson of Raj Narain Dubey, one of the founders of the studio.

Currently shooting for the film in Mumbai, Ruhi spoke to TOI over the phone sharing her dreams, passion and much more. Talking about her role in the film, she says, “The character is very much like me.

Her name is Riya and she is a chilled out girl, who belongs to a rich family and is a complete spoilt brat. In a search of true love, she runs away from home and the story takes a new turn.”

Directed by Nasirr Khan, son of actor-comedian Johnny Walker, the film is slated will release next year.

I wanted to become a singer Unlike other newcomers, Ruhi never planned her career.

“I never planned anything in my life - everything falls into place automatically. In fact, I wanted to be an international singing sensation,” admits Ruhi, adding, “Priyanka Chopra has certainly

2011 and 2012. Ruhi has also represented India at Miss Model of the World in 2011 held in China and Miss United Nations in 2012 held at Miami.

Jaipur’s warmth Born and brought up in Jaipur, she moved to the tinsel town two years ago. Though her mother often visits her in Mumbai, Ruhi misses her hometown a lot. “This is the place where I’ve spent all my life. I have my friends and family in Jaipur.

Also, Mumbai doesn’t have the warmth my city boasts of. But as the saying goes, you have to lose something to gain something,” she adds. Ruhi finds it funny that people relate Rajasthan only with camels and deserts.

Preet Kamal

‘Dishkiyaoon’, also starring Sunny Deol in the lead, marks the debut of Shilpa Shetty as a producer.

Priyanka Chopra

M

Lata Mangeshkar says it is hard to believe that 51 years have passed since she sang Aye mere watan ke logon in front of prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963.“Aye mere watan ke logo‘ is completing 51 years.

I really don’t know how these many years passed away but it still reminds me of the sadness of that time… I presented this song on January 27, 1963 in front of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru

upcoming action film ‘Dishkiyaoon’.

‘Dishkiyaoon’, marks the debut of actress Shilpa Shet-

Mangeshkar, 84, is being felicitated by BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at a function here

M

eenakshi Dixit has bagged a plum role in Vadivelu’s comeback movie by AGS banner in Tamil. Meenakshi who plays the main heroine says, “It is set against a historical backdrop and it is a comedy movie about Tenali Raman and Srikrishna Devaraya.

I play Srikrishna Devaraya’s daughter. The script has been worked on for a long time and it matches his stardom. It was lovely working with him.” Even the film in Hindi P Se PM Tak that she did is a comedy. Adavai Kachina Vennela too awaits release in 2014.

Li’l girl’s big task

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Lata Mangeshkar in the memory of those martyrs. Everybody’s eyes were moist. The poignant song was written by poet Pradeepji and was composed by Ramchandraji. How can we forget our martyrs. I remember them every year and salute them,” Mangeshkar tweeted.

to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the song. Modi is the chief guest at the function being organised by Shahid Bharat Samiti. Organisers said Lata will not sing but she might hum one or two lines when over one lakh people sing it in chorus.

ehana is a proud mother and why not? Her daughter Smrithika Thuhina had not only worked as a child reporter for a television channel, the eleven-year-old had written a rhyme that is shot for a climax scene in 1 Nenokkadine. She says, “While the bus stops and school children alight, the junior Mahesh walks, runs and goes to his house with his memories haunting him. That song is written by Smrithika.”

Smrithika’s father is an associate director in 1 Nenokakdine. Devisri Prasad had sent tunes in the email and also the photos and Smrithika completed the job. Both Devisri Prasad and the director appreciated her and Mahesh too in the interviews said he liked the rhyme scene a lot.

ty as a producer. “Congrats Harman.. And good luck to the team Shilpa Shetty Show some love twitterverse,” Priyanka tweeted. Priyanka, 32, and Harman, 33, starred in films like ‘Love Story 2050’ and ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ and there were rumours that they dated briefly.

‘Dishkiyaoon’ is about the Mumbai underworld and is expected to release on March 28.

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geles. The 48-year-old composer also posted a picture of him from the award ceremony last night. “At the Grammys,” he captioned the picture. Earlier in the day, Rahman also shared a picture of the plush lawn of his LA home. “And this was at my home in LA earlier today… On the way to the Grammys,” he wrote. The Mozart of Madras opted for a formal look in the awards gala by wearing a blue jacket and trouser. We certainly think that Rahman was excited to be amidst bigwigs of music fraternity.

Etcetera: In Tamil film

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R Rahman, who won two Grammy awards for his hit track Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire in 2010, attended the music awards at the Staples Center in Los An-

One of the most memorable patriotic numbers, the song was written as a tribute to Indian soldiers who died during the Sino-Indian War in 1962. Mangeshkar, 84, famously sang the song in the presence of Nehru at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, just a day after the Republic Day. The song is said to have moved Nehru to tears as the war had ended just two months ago and its memories were still fresh.

“People still have a different image in mind when they talk about Jaipur. It really makes me laugh when I hear them. I tell them that you should visit Jaipur and see what this city is.

Rajasthan is not just about deserts and camels, it is more than that,” she signs off. (TNN)

Priyanka wishes luck to Harman for upcoming film ‘Dishkiyaoon’

UMBAI - Songstress Priyanka Chopra wished luck to Harman Baweja for his

I

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Friday, January 31, 2014

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Medical bills still a major burden on American families, CDC study finds tending health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans—as well as protections in the law such as the ban on annual and lifetime coverage limits—could turn the tide on healthcare’s financial toll on patients.

by Steven Ross Johnson

M

edical bills continue to impose significant financial burdens on American households, according to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Many of the people identified in the report as most vulnerable “could experience declines in financial burdens and potentially benefit from subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act,” said Fredric Blavin, a senior research associate with the non-partisan think tank Urban Institute.

More than one in four families, or 27%, had difficulty paying their medical bills in 2012, while one in 10 reported they were unable to pay at all.

The strain is most pronounced among families earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level, or about $59,000 for a family of four and those with children under the age of 18.

Even among households with some members enrolled in health plans—such as uninsured parents with children in CHIP—nearly half said their medical bills had presented financial challenges.

Expenses related to healthcare have been one of the fastest growing drivers for economic hardship for many Americans.

The report found that 21% of families had difficulty paying medical bills even when all members of the household had health insurance or Medicare,

Medicaid or another public healthcare program.

But supporters of the Patient and Protection and Affordable Care Act are hopeful that ex-

US study finds pesticide may raise risk of Alzheimer’s

W

ASHINGTON - People with Alzheimer’s disease may have higher levels of a chemical left behind by the pesticide DDT than healthy elderly people, suggested a US study out Monday.

The pesticide, DDT, was phased out in the United States in 1972, but is still used elsewhere in the world and global health authorities consider it an important tool against malaria.

Researchers found DDE, the long-lasting metabolite of DDT, was nearly four times higher in Alzheimer’s patients than in peers without the disease.

Having high DDE levels was also found to increase someone’s risk of Alzheimer’s fourfold, according to the study which compared 86 Alzheimer’s patients to 79 people of advanced age.

The patients in the study came

from the US states of Texas and Georgia, and their average age was 74, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology.

The editorial writers, Steven DeKosky and Sam Gandy, noted that the research should be considered “preliminary until there is independent confirmation in other populations.”

Outside experts cautioned that its sample size was small and should be followed with more research.

Little is known about what causes Alzheimer’s disease, which afflicts five million people in the United States.

“The findings should be a stimulus to further research using more rigorous epidemiological methods, but of themselves, they do not provide strong evidence of a hazard,” said David Coggon, professor of occupational and environmental medicine at the University of Southampton in Britain.

The World Health Organization says some 35 million people around the world are living with dementia.

The differences in DDE levels were seen in the Texas sample, but not in Georgia, noted an accompanying editorial in JAMA Neurology by doctors at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Virginia.

“This is one of the first studies identifying a strong environmental risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,” said a statement by study co-author Allan Levey, chair of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine.

“The potentially huge public health impact of identifying an avoidable cause of Alzheimer’s disease warrants more study -urgently.” (AFP)

Kids’ vitamins often surpass daily recommendations

by Andrew M. Seaman

V

itamin supplements marketed for infants and children often contain more than the recommended amount of individual vitamins, according to a new study.

Researchers found that in all but one case, the average vitamin content of those supplements exceeded what’s recommended.

“What we did is compare what’s on the labels for (children’s vitamins) to the recommended daily allowance or adequate intake,” Michael Madden told Reuters Health.

Madden is the study’s lead author from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) or adequate intake of vitamins is set by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which provides independent advice to U.S. policymakers.

The RDA is the amount of a certain nutrient the average person should consume daily to meet the body’s needs.

For the new study, Madden and his colleagues pulled information from labels of dietary supplements from a government database in July 2013.

They reviewed the labels of 21 supplements intended for use among infants younger than 12 months old and 172 supplements intended for use among kids between 12 months and four years old.

Overall, the researchers looked at nine individual vitamins in the supplements intended for infants and 14 vitamins in the supplements intended for

older kids.

They found vitamin D was the only vitamin that wasn’t listed in amounts above the RDA in products made for both age groups.

The average vitamin C level in the supplements was about equal to the RDA for kids younger than 12 months old.

But in supplements made for older children, vitamin C levels were about five times the recommended amount.

Biotin, a vitamin that helps turn food into fuel, is often taken with hopes of making skin, hair and nails healthier. The researchers found the average amount of biotin in children’s supplements was between five and nine times the RDA. They note in JAMA Pediatrics that the IOM recommends children not exceed the RDA for many of the vitamins included in the study.

The IOM says there are not enough data about potential side effects among children in those age groups for some vitamins and that kids should get those vitamins from food.

Duffy MacKay, however, said the IOM recommendations have not been updated in several years. Also, the new study did not distinguish between multivitamins and supplements that contain a single vitamin.

MacKay is senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade association representing dietary supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, in Washington, D.C. “There are reasons why some

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

of the vitamins would contain more than the RDA,” he said.

For instance, single vitamin supplements could be made for kids who are deficient in that particular vitamin.

He also pointed out that the new research is based on a survey of supplement labels and did not identify or associate any health concerns with the use of the children’s products.

“I think parents should take a look at the product label and they should assess the levels with the daily recommended amounts and go into the healthcare provider and have a dialogue,” MacKay, who was not involved with the new study, said.

Expenses related to healthcare have been one of the fastest growing drivers for economic hardship for many Americans. A Kaiser Family Foundation study released earlier this month estimated that 1 in 3 Americans struggle with medical bills. Many of them have trouble paying for housing and other basic necessities, according to Kaiser’s review of records of consumers who sought debt counseling from a not-for-profit organization.

Other researchers have concluded that medical debt is a common factor in household bankruptcies. (Healthcare Business News)

Bitcoin dealers charged in US with money laundering

N

EW YORK - US authorities Monday filed criminal charges against two operators of a Bitcoin exchange which enabled its users to buy drugs and other illicit goods on the Silk Road underground website.

Federal prosecutors said they unsealed a criminal complaint against Robert Faiella and Charlie Shrem, who ran a company allowing people to use cash to buy Bitcoins, a virtual currency which is based on a mysterious computer algorithm.

The two are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and running an unlicensed money transmitting business, according to a statement from the US Attorney’s office in New York.

Shrem, 24, also charged with violating the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to file any suspicious activity reports, was arrested Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Aging, Stress and Health Coverage

A

t any age, stress is a part of life. Young and old alike have to face difficult situations and overcome obstacles. While young adults struggle to establish a career, achieve financial security, or juggle work and family demands, older people may face failing health or dwindling finances -- or simply the challenges of retaining their independence. Unfortunately, the body’s natural defenses against stress gradually break down with age. But you don’t have to give in to stress just because you’re no longer young.

Many seniors still manage to sail through their later years.

“Successful agers” tend have a few things in common: They stay connected to friends and family, they exercise and keep active, and, above all, they find ways to both reduce and manage the stress in their lives.

The stress alarm Stress comes in two basic flavors, physical and emotional -- and both can be especially taxing for older people. The impacts of physical stress are clear.

As people reach old age, wounds heal more slowly and colds become harder to shake. A 75-yearold heart can be slow to respond to the demands of exercise. And when an 80-year-old walks into a chilly room, it will take an extralong time for her body temperature to adjust.

Emotional stress is more subtle, but if it’s chronic, the eventual consequences can be as harmful.

At any age, stressed-out brains sound an alarm that releases potentially harmful hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Ideally, the brain turns down the alarm when stress hormones get too high.

Stress hormones provide energy and focus in the short term, but too much stress over too many years can throw a person’s system off-balance. Overloads of stress hormones have been linked to many health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. For older people already at heightened risk for these illnesses, managing stress is particularly important.

Over time, the brain can Faiella, 52, was arrested at his home Monday in Cape Coral, Florida.

“As alleged, Robert Faiella and Charlie Shrem schemed to sell over $1 million in Bitcoins to criminals bent on trafficking narcotics on the dark web drug site, Silk Road,” said US Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

“Truly innovative business models don’t need to resort to old-fashioned law-breaking, and when Bitcoins, like any traditional currency, are laundered and used to fuel criminal activity, law enforcement has no choice but to act. We will aggressively pursue those who would coopt new forms of currency for illicit purposes.”

The new charges come more than three months after federal officials seized the Silk Road

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slowly lose its skills at regulating hormone levels. As a result, older people who feel worried or anxious tend to produce larger amounts of stress hormones, and the alarm doesn’t shut down as quickly. According to a study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, women are especially susceptible to an overload of stress hormones as they age. The study found that the impact of age on cortisol levels is nearly three times stronger for women than for men.

The flow of stress hormones can be especially hard on older brains in general. According to a recent report from the University of California at San Francisco, extra cortisol over the years can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that’s crucial for storing and retrieving memories.

Several studies have found that high cortisol goes hand in hand with poor memory, so we might be able to chalk up certain “senior moments” to stress.

Years of emotional distress may even increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A five-year study of nearly 800 priests and nuns published in the journal Neurology highlighted this potential hazard.

The subjects who reported the most stress were twice as likely as the least-stressed subjects to develop the disease.

All health insurance policies are not the same when it comes to treating stress, depression or behavioral health. For help in choosing the right health insurance call 713-771-2900 website used for drugs, hacker tools and other illegal goods and arrested its alleged mastermind, Ross William Ulbricht, who was said to be “Dread Pirate Roberts.”

Ulbricht, who is awaiting trial in New York, has denied the charges and also claims he is not “Dread Pirate Roberts.”

In November, a message appeared on the social media site Reddit claiming Silk Road had reopened weeks after it was shut down by the FBI. Bitcoin was invented in the wake of the global financial crisis by a mysterious computer guru using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamotoby. While Bitcoins have gained in legitimate transactions, the unregulated currency has also been linked to various kinds of criminal activity. (AFP)

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Dr. Paul Offit, chief of infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, cautioned that the new study assumes the supplement labels are correct.

“That may not be true,” he said, adding that his own hospital has found large inconsistencies on supplement labels.

Offit, who was not involved with the new research, also said RDAs tend to be overestimates of what the average person needs and parents should make every effort to get their children the vitamins and nutrients they need in the food they eat.

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Madden said it is a good idea for parents to talk with their children’s doctors before giving them vitamins. (Reuters Health)

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US, British spies tap mobile phone apps, claims report

W

ASHINGTON The National Security Agency and its British counterpart are tapping into smart phone applications to scoop up personal data, the New York Times reported Monday.

In the latest revelations from US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, classified documents show the NSA and Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters are working to snatch location and other sensitive information by exploiting “leaky” smartphone apps such as Google Maps or mobile versions of Facebook, Twitter and other services, the Times wrote.

Previous media leaks have shown that the NSA sifts through phone records, SMS text messages, online games

and other Internet traffic in its surveillance of terror suspects and other intelligence “targets.”

The scope of the spying on apps is unclear, as well many details of the espionage, the newspaper said.

Each time someone opens an application, whether to play the popular game Angry Birds or check out Google Maps, the eavesdropping agencies can vacuum up data that reveals the user’s location, age, personal address list and other information, according to the Times.

When asked about the report, the NSA did not deny the account but reiterated, as it has for months, that the agency is not out to spy on ordinary people and is respectful of privacy rights.

In one top secret NSA slide from 2010 published by the Times, an agency analyst is clearly excited at the espionage opportunity offered by the smart phone applications.

The slide is titled “Golden Nugget!” and describes a “perfect scenario” in which a “target” uploads a photo to a social media site using a mobile phone.

“The communications of people who are not valid foreign intelligence targets are not of interest to the National Security Agency,” spokeswoman Vanee Vines said in a statement.

“Any implication that NSA’s foreign intelligence collection is focused on the smartphone or social media communications of everyday Americans is not true,” she said.

“We collect only those communications that we are authorized by law to collect for valid foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes -- regardless of the technical means used by the targets.”

The NSA’s funding for the program has quadrupled since 2007, from $204 million to $767 million, according to a secret Canadian analysis, the Times said.

In a speech this month, President Barack Obama announced changes to NSA surveillance that he said would better protect privacy, including an end to the government’s storage of Americans’ phone records.

But Obama did not touch on the reams of data gathered from apps and other smartphone functions. (AFP)

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

US allows tech giants to reveal spy agency demands

W

ASHINGTON The United States is to give technology firms more leeway to publish broad details of how their customer data has been targeted by US spy agencies, officials said Monday.

said, in a joint statement.

Attorney General Eric Holder and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said communications providers would be allowed to disclose figures on consumer accounts requested.

Previously, the existence of orders made by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court for access to private online data was itself classified, to the outrage of the firms.

“The administration is acting to allow more detailed disclosures about the number of national security orders and requests issued to communications providers,” they

In a letter to tech giants Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft and Yahoo, the Justice Department freed them release the approximate number of customer accounts targeted.

In addition to the bare numbers of targeted consumers, the companies will also be permitted to disclose the number but not the nature of selection criteria for broader Internet sweeps. (AFP)

In US, not all drugs are reviewed equally: study US - Japan satellite to study global rain, snow

C

onsumers may expect that medical treatments approved for the US market are safe and thoroughly tested, but a study out Tuesday said that is not always the case.

Some drugs undergo more rigorous testing than others, while most are never compared to existing treatments to see if they are better or worse, said the study by researchers at Yale University.

The study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed the process by which 188 new therapies were accepted for US market by the Food and Drug Administration over a seven-year span.

Some 37 percent were allowed on the market based on the results of a single trial that was never replicated or confirmed.

Fewer than half were compared to treatments already on

some drugs are approved on the basis of large, high-quality clinical trials, while others are approved based on results of smaller trials,” said senior author Joseph Ross, assistant professor of internal medicine at Yale School of Medicine.

the market.

process,” he said.

“Many other trials were small, short, and focused on lab values, or some other surrogate metric of effect, rather than clinical endpoints like death,” said first author and Yale School of Medicine student Nicholas Downing.

In some cases, the FDA’s “regulatory flexibility” can pave the way for faster approval of “potentially effective therapies for life-threatening diseases, such as certain cancers, or those diseases for which there is no existing effective treatment,” said the study.

Although patients may think that doctors only dole out safe and effective medicines, a closer look at the FDA process raised doubts, said Downing.

“Based on our study of the data, we can’t be certain that this expectation is necessarily justified, given the quantity and quality of the variability we saw in the drug approval

To insist that all drugs meet the same standard could result in higher costs and longer wait times.

Still, researchers said the public and the regulatory community should be aware of the vastly differing standards for market approval.

“Based on our analysis,

“There was a lack of uniformity in the level of evidence the FDA used.” (AFP) The FDA does not require data on comparative effectiveness as part of its approval process, the JAMA study noted.

Ross said only 40 percent of drug approvals involved a clinical trial that compared one new drug to another, which he described as “an important step for determining whether the new drug is a better option than existing, older drugs.”

The researchers described their work as the first systematic analysis of the standard used by the FDA in making drug approval decisions. (AFP)

W

ASHINGTON A new satellite built by NASA and its Japanese counterpart is poised to launch next month on a mission to study rain and snow around the world, the US space agency said Monday.

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory aims to help scientists peer inside clouds and improve weather and climate forecasts.

The mission is “the first coordinated international satellite network to provide near real-time observations of rain and snow every three hours anywhere on the globe,” NASA said.

“The data will be used by scientists to study climate change, freshwater resources, floods and droughts, and hur-

ricane formation and tracking,” it added.

The satellite has been flown from the United States to Japan, and is scheduled for launch from JAXA’s Tanegashima Space Center on February 27 between 1807 GMT and 2007 GMT, or in the early hours of February 28 Japan time, NASA said.

The GPM Core Observatory will orbit the Earth at a height of 253 miles (407 kilometers).

It is carrying a Japanesedesigned dual-frequency precipitation radar and a US-built microwave imager (GMI).

Beginning about two months after launch, its data will be conveyed to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and distributed online. (AFP)

BUSINESS

VOICE OF ASIA 16

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

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Major default looms in China’s huge ‘shadow banking’ system

by Bill Savadove

S

HANGHAI - A shockwave is looming in China’s multi-trillion dollar “shadow banking” system, with an unprecedented default only days away on a $500 million investment product sold to hundreds of people.

Staff at China’s biggest bank ICBC pushed the “Credit Equals Gold #1 Trust Product” by promising returns of 10 percent a year, far more than traditional deposits, investors say.

mestic product, according to an estimate by ratings agency Moody’s.

China’s powerful State Council, or cabinet, reportedly issued internal guidelines in December to crack down on the sector.

But ratings agency Fitch said in a report: “The reforms may seem like a good beginning, but they have a long way to run.”

China Credit Trust sold the investment product from 2010 through

a hole, covered it with a straw mat and told us to jump in,” said Gao Yiyang, an investor who spent almost $500,000 of his family’s money on the product.

“It now appears our money was not used for any of the company’s actual operations. It was purely fraud to get our money to fill a huge deficit hole,” he told AFP. In a letter sent to investors earlier this month, a copy of which was seen

by AFP, China Credit Trust said:

But the coal company it was supposed to fund never obtained key licences for its activities, state media reported, and now the firm that structured it, China Credit Trust, says it may not be able to repay 3.0 billion yuan ($492 million) due on Friday.

The situation is a test case for cleaning up the risky “shadow banking” system in the world’s second-largest economy.

Analysts said the government could use a default to send a message about the danger of speculative investments, while showing Beijing’s commitment to reining in the vast pools of capital threatening financial stability.

But at the same time authorities must walk a fine balance between cracking down and preventing protests by angry investors -- as well as setting off a chain reaction that sharply tightens credit in an economy where growth is already slowing.

Chinese “shadow banking” is a massive network of lending outside formal channels and beyond the reach of regulators, including activities by online finance platforms, credit guarantee companies and microcredit firms.

It was as large as $4.8 trillion in 2012, more than half the country’s gross do-

Customers are seen leaving an ICBC branch in Beijing (AFP/File Photo) branches of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), to around 700 of the bank’s high net worth clients.

The trust channelled the funds to Zhenfu Energy in the country’s mining heartland of Shanxi province.

But the company’s owner was detained by authorities in 2012, state media reported, raising questions over the viability of the firm.

“ICBC and China Credit Trust dug

“Currently, there is still uncertainty over whether the trust can be converted to cash before January 31.”

Products sold by China’s roughly 65 trusts offer high returns and big risk, drawing comparisons to the West’s “junk bonds” of the 1980s.

“Some central government-level policymakers could be open to seeing a default, as it would encourage more careful risk assessment,” Goldman Sachs economist Andrew

US bans more products from India’s Ranbaxy

Indian drugmakers are among the world’s biggest producers of cheap generic medicines. Demand for generics is on the rise as the United States battles rising health-care costs and as more bigselling branded drugs go off-patent in western markets.

But the rise in demand for generic drugs has led to closer regulatory scrutiny and sanctions imposed on top drugmakers including Ranbaxy and Wockhardt Ltd, which has been hit by import

Bank president Jim Yong Kim, on his first visit to the former pariah state, said half of the funds would be used to expand power supplies, in a country where more than 70 percent of the population does not have access to reliable electricity.

“For investors, this incident provides them with a case whereby they can learn lessons. In future, when they invest in wealth (management) or other products, they must see clearly the risk,” he said.

“We are increasing our support for the huge reform effort underway in Myanmar because we want to help the government bring benefits to poor people even more quickly,” Kim said in a statement.

But Chinese investors have few choices on where to park their money, with low deposit rates, government controls over the property market, capital controls limiting overseas investment and one of the world’s worst-performing stock markets last year.

“Expanding access to electricity in a country like Myanmar can help transform a society -- children will be able to study at night, shops will stay open, and health clinics will have lights and energy to power life-saving technology. Electricity helps brings an end to poverty,” he said.

The combination has caused a boom in informal lending offering better returns.

The programme also includes $200 million to help Myanmar achieve universal health coverage by 2030, the Bank said, noting that only one in four people in the once-isolated country has access to quality healthcare.

Investors might still get some money back. An insurance company and an asset management firm -- set up to handle banks’ bad loans -- have been cited by state media as possible rescuers.

Richard Chang, a buyer who organised a gathering of investors in Shanghai, told AFP they would insist ICBC makes good any losses.

“We will never give up unless we get the money,” he said. (AFP)

Ranbaxy may have to outsource the ingredients for making generic drugs, resulting in higher costs and delays and hurting its profit margins, analysts said.

The FDA action could also delay the launch of a generic version of AstraZeneca Plc’s blockbuster heartburn and ulcer pill Nexium in the United States, they said.

The US Food and Drug Administration’s sanction is the latest in a series of regulatory rebukes for India’s largest drugmaker by revenue since Japan’s Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd took control of the company in 2008, and deals a further blow to the $12 billion Indian drug industry.

Ranbaxy said it was disappointed with the FDA’s action and that it had voluntarily suspended shipments of products from the Toansa facility to the US market when it received the inspection findings.

“This development is clearly unacceptable and an appropriate management action will be taken upon completion of the internal investigation,” Chief Executive Arun Sawhney said in a statement.

Some of Ranbaxy’s manufacturing facilities have faced US scrutiny in recent years. (File Photo) bans from both the FDA in the United States and Britain’s drug regulator.

The latest ban will hit Ranbaxy’s US business, its largest export market, bringing in roughly 40 percent of total sales, by cutting the supply of raw ingredients for making drugs at its Ohm Laboratories plant in New Jersey, analysts said.

“I don’t think anything is possible in the next one year at least,” said Surajit Pal, a sector analyst with brokerage Prabhudas Lilladher, referring to new launches and a possible turnaround in operations.

He said the company could report operating loss from the March quarter as regulatory and other costs rise and new

launches get delayed.

Ohm is the only Ranbaxy facility that makes generics for the U.S. market after shipments from its three FDA-approved plants in India were banned by the U.S. regulator over quality concerns. Ohm gets nearly three-quarters of its ingredients from the Toansa plant, according to some brokerage estimates.

Ranbaxy has been planning to launch couple of high-yielding generic drugs in the United States, including a version of Novartis AG’s hypertension drug Diovan, with ingredients from Toansa, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Ranbaxy shares fell as much as 19.8 per cent on Friday to their lowest level in

US encourages Pakistan to increase regional trade

W

ASHINGTON - Commending the Nawaz Sharif Government for taking bold measures to liberalise Pakistan’s economy, the United States has said it encourages the country to increase its regional trade, including that with India.

“We encourage steps to increase regional trade, including with India. Steps that increase regional trade support the New Silk Road vision of an economically integrated region,” the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Heather Higginbottom said.

She said this in her remarks at a dinner hosted for Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, by the Pakistani Embassy here. Aziz is leading a high-power delegation for US-Pak Strategic Dialogue with Secretary of State John Kerry.

“The US commends the tough choices that Prime Minister Sharif and his Cabinet have al-

Y

ANGON - The World Bank announced on Sunday a $2 billion development programme for Myanmar, including projects to improve access to energy and healthcare in the impoverished former military-ruled nation.

ICBC says it has no direct liability for the product. “We did not assume that kind of fixed responsibility,” ICBC chairman Jiang Jianqing told US financial television channel CNBC.

Shares in Daiichi Sankyo, which paid $4.2 billion for control of Ranbaxy in 2008, ended down 6.4 per cent.

W

The FDA ban on Ranbaxy’s Toansa plant followed an inspection completed on January 11. The US regulator had previously barred products from the company’s facilities in Paonta Sahib, Dewas and Mohali in India as part of a 2012 consent decree designed to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices.

But he added: “If the realisation of significant losses by investors causes others to pull back from funding various forms of shadow banking credit, overall credit conditions could theoretically tighten sharply with consequent damage to growth.”

nearly four months. The stock is headed for it worst fall since September 16 last year when a third company plant was hit by the FDA import ban.

ASHINGTON - India’s Ranbaxy faces long delays and high costs in launching big-selling generic drugs in the United States after products from a fourth plant were banned from entering its main market due to manufacturing violations.

The FDA said Ranbaxy is prohibited from making and selling pharmaceutical ingredients from its facility in Toansa in Punjab, “to prevent substandard quality products from reaching US consumers.”

Tilton said in a recent research report.

World Bank pledges $2 billion for Myanmar

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comments on the financial impact of the FDA’s decision.

Daiichi Sankyo said in a statement that it was “confirming the situation with Ranbaxy” and would issue a statement when it had more details.

Ranbaxy has been a major supplier of drugs, especially generics, to the United States and this latest enforcement action means most Ranbaxy products are now banned there.

Ranbaxy’s other major markets are India, its No.2 sales generator, as well as Europe and Africa. Indian drugmakers’ plants that do not ship to the United States are not regulated or inspected by the FDA. “Almost like the worst-case scenario

The Washington-based institution closed its Yangon office in 1987 and ceased new lending after the then-ruling junta stopped making payments on debts worth hundreds of millions of dollars left from previous programmes.

Myanmar last year cleared its arrears to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank with the help of a Japanese bridge loan, enabling the two lenders to resume assistance to the country.

President Thein Sein has overseen a series of dramatic reforms since taking office in 2011, including the release of political prisoners and the election of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament.

In response, the West has begun rolling back sanctions and foreign firms are lining up to invest in the country, eyeing its huge natural resources, large population and strategic location between China and India.

The country was once known as the “rice bowl of Asia” because of its agricultural riches. But economic mismanagement during nearly 50 years of direct military rule left the country deeply impoverished.

Kim is due to meet former general Thein Sein, other members of the government and opposition and business leaders in the capital Naypyidaw where he will also attend a development forum on Monday. (AFP) for Ranbaxy building up in the US and extremely negative for the company in the long term as well,” Mumbai brokerage Emkay Global said in a client note.

The FDA’s action follows an inspection that identified “significant” violations of sound manufacturing practices.

Staff at the Toansa facility were found to have re-tested raw materials and other ingredients after the items failed analytical testing “in order to produce acceptable findings,” and did not report or investigate the failures, the FDA said.

The agency said the Toansa facility was now subject to certain terms of a consent decree entered against Ranbaxy in 2012. Under that agreement, Ranbaxy is prohibited from exporting active pharmaceutical ingredients made at the facility to the United States, including for drugs made at its Ohm facility.

(Reuters)

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ready made to reinvigorate Pakistan’s economy,” the American diplomat said at the dinner, which was also attended by Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins.

Pakistan is a huge market for US businesses and the US is Pakistan’s largest trading partner. In 2012, the trade between the nations was worth more than $5 billion, she said.

“But together there is much more we can and will do to deepen this economic relationship. We see Pakistan’s prosperity as good for the Pakistani people, as good for Americans, and good for the region. We have repeatedly learned that countries gain more from economic cooperation than from isolation,” Higginbottom said.

Sha said Pakistan and the US agree that a peaceful, stable, independent and united Afghanistan is in the interest of the region. (PTI)

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FEATURE

VOICE OF ASIA 17

‘Speed-dating’ inspires NYC women entrepreneurs

by Prune Perromat

N

EW YORK - They are bloggers, engineers and chefs -- American women entrepreneurs who dream of emulating the success of Facebook number two Sheryl Sandberg or General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

And to smash through that glass ceiling, they have found a new weapon: speed-dating style networking events. No men allowed.

To shouts of “one, two, three -- change!” and “one, two, three -- switch!” ladies mingle at the first event organized at the annual women entrepreneurs festival run by the Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) at New York University.

stifle a yawn, break into laughter or screw up their eyes in concentration before the emcee calls on them to move onto their immediate neighbor.

“We make short... fun, playful videos to boost people’s popularity online,” says New York-based multimedia artist O Zhang.

“Give me your card!”

Farther away, a woman named Milena, a bit older with a friendly manner, heads towards a young woman who has caught her eye.

“Are you looking for somebody to talk to?” she says, introducing herself as a former technology director about to embark on new projects with Jacqueline Courtney,

“Women are not used to selling themselves... you don’t want to come off as being too bitchy, you don’t want to come off as being too aggressive,” she said.

For Denise Courter, who left Wall Street to found www.FiDiFamilies.com, a children’s activities website in Manhattan, it was an opportunity to meet “inspirational women”.

“So many times, I went to conferences that were mencentric, and this is focusing on women and that is very exciting because we are all able to help each other up the ladder,” she said.

Despite high-profile success stories such as Barra at General Motors, only 15 percent of US companies and only 4.5 percent of Fortune 1000 companies are run by women.

Anne-Marie Slaughter, who stirred up a furor in 2012 with an essay in The Atlantic magazine asking if it was truly possible for working mothers “to have it all,” opened the 2014 forum.

“It’s exactly where we need to be -- encouraging women to start things, to make things on their own,” she told AFP.

Women entrepreneurs take part in three-minute, one-on-one, business speed dating meetings during the fourth Women Entrepreneurs Festival in New York. (AFP /Emmanuel Dunand) Around 280 women of all ages and professions are given three minutes to get to know each other, swap business information and exchange cards before moving onto the next person.

It is the business equivalent of the matchmakers’ speed-dating phenomenon that took off about a decade ago as a chance for the loveless to quickly meet multiple people in the hope of snaring a date.

The room gets increasingly riotous as the session wears on, bathed in the beautiful light of a New York winter afternoon.

Pairs of women group and regroup like members of a ballet company, exchanging business cards as they go.

Some nod and smile, others

the founder of website Nearly Newlywed, which allows brides to buy and sell back wedding dresses.

The rules are simple, says Nancy Hechinger, an ITP faculty member and co-founder of the event: three minutes to introduce yourself, your business and your passion in “hopefully semi-controlled chaos”.

Sources of inspiration Rosemarie Gambetta -- a real estate agent who wants to turn her blog www.cheapeatsinc. com about dining out on a budget into an online restaurant guide, mobile app and business -- dreams of rising to the top.

Gambetta told AFP the event was a great exercise without the pressure of meeting a man.

Slaughter gave up a highflying job at the State Department in order to take up a role at Princeton University, which enabled her to spend more time caring for her two sons.

“Guys who are entrepreneurs know other entrepreneurs. And I know those networks are very important... because we’re still a substantial minority,” she said.

Sashka Rothchild, a former chef and founder of Standbuy, a cancer fundraising tool for families, has just had a child.

“I was way out of practice so this is a good way to get back into the saddle,” she said.

Katie Boyko, founder of the website DatingbyThreeDegrees.com, also went home satisfied.

“I did a little bit of A/B testing, what’s the most concise way to get the message across... everybody is the room was a potential new client,” she said.

(AFP)

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VOICE OF ASIA

Your Horoscope (For week beginning Friday, January 31, 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 Need to get yourself organized, You need to prepare for changes in your personal life as well as in public or professional situations. Your social consciousness could lead you to situations that might help resolve 360 degree of problems. You may feel as if you are plugged into a source of very high energy. Considering the opportunities that await you, you have good reason to be excited. Pay attention to gut instincts that tell you where the treasures/happiness of the world are buried.

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Strong emotional & physical ties. You may be so high on life that you forget to look at the reality of some things. Be especially careful with financial matters, because you could be overconfident of your success. You may be very vulnerable and sensitive, especially when it comes to your own creativity and your need for self-expression. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. Show your leadership and avoid overly aggressive behavior.

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Uncertainty in your career. You may want to bury your head in the sand. Your awareness of something that is not fair or just at your job could make you want to walk away from some career situations. Be sure you don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. If some associates behave like traumatized children, treat them that way. Give people the attention they require. Then you’re free to go on your way, unfettered and clear of resentments. You should have good luck selling or purchasing property.

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Changes even though you want your life could stay exactly the same. After all, that makes you feel safe and secure. Change doesn’t have to be frightening, in fact, major changes taking place in your creative life, could awaken you to new talents and abilities. Remember that there is always another step to take and that things may not actually be as they seem. Don’t resist these changes. You are developing new levels of consciousness, and these changes are part of that development.

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Working situations could seem very stressful. Others may try to give you more than your share of the load. Learn to say no, especially if you’re tired and need rest. You may need to get extra rest to keep nervous reactions under control. Try not to get upset over misunderstandings. Others may tend to think out loud & cause you to lose your temper.

You may need to blow off some steam. Utilize your natural sense of humor to help yourself to see things from a different perspective.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Friends and associates could prove to be very unreliable. New responsibilities could seem burdensome now. You need to make an effort to adjust to the demands of you. If you’re under too much pressure, your health could suffer. You need to be needed and you may have to carefully structure your time to accommodate everything you want to do. With some patience and understanding on your part, however, you’ll realize what could occur in the lives of others to cause them to have to completely re-adjust their routines.

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct Something or someone that tends to get under your skin. If you are resentful toward friends or associates, you may have to struggle with those feelings. You may find it difficult to keep a smile on your face when you see funds slipping through your fingers. A partner or your mate may appear to take the easy way out and ignore your struggle to balance everything that’s going on around you. Don’t let stress tempt you to play games or plan ways to get even.

Scorpio (N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov

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Some questions about areas of your life that come under fire. You may be unwilling to confront the cost of an entertainment project until it’s too late. If you are disappointed as a result, you may blame yourself and may even become ill over it. Anything that is related to partnership activities or your home life could be a source of uncertainty. You may be uncertain whether you should take the next step toward a more exciting life or maintain the status quo. Some situations could be very beneficial to you, but you may be tempted to zig when you should zag.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec Your partners may paint a rosy picture but if matters don’t work out the way you expect, you could be very upset. Take a look at the truth of any situation, no matter what anyone else might say. Try not to go overboard with promotional efforts or the additional expenses. Be sure you don’t let flattery lead you down the wrong road. You may be counting on unreliable sources of income now. If you trust that checks will arrive on time, hedge your bets and make sure they were mailed as promised.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan Realize, your ability to collect additional income that is owed to you. Financial matters demand your careful attention. To avoid going down the garden path of unfulfilled dreams, take care of all practical matters. Keep your eye on your goals, but take precautions. Secure the situation with practical measures. Partnership projects could seem uncertain. If someone you depend on lets you down or acts in an unpredictable manner, you may need to discuss the situation more thoroughly. You could discover that the actions of others have little to do with you.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb Let your natural enthusiasm take you into uncharted territory. Explore the waters of new partnership activity as well. Life may be more abundant than you could have ever imagined. Don’t put on the blinders just yet. Sensitivity can be a positive and valuable commodity but when those feelings are close to the surface, they can turn into feelings of insecurity. Your sensitivity may come in handy when it comes to an appeal to others for aid. You may be called to distant shores.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March You need to get a better perspective on things. Make the effort to understand what is going on by having sensitive discussions. You need to get ready to accept all the good things that are coming your way, because this is a perfect time for new starts and there are indications of fabulous financial conditions. Your mate could seem unpredictable to you.

You might be tempted to let go of the relationship for all the wrong reasons. Look deeper in order to understand motivations. Start projects that bring more beauty into your home and lifestyle.

Financial situations with groups and friends may demand your time & careful attention. Don’t let funds run through your fingers, especially as expenses with land and property rises.

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FRIDAY, January 31, 2014

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

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

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

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus Samee Mosque

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

Chinmaya Mission Prog: Location:10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX77498.

Phone: 832.541.0059.

Website:www.chinmayahouston.org.

QR

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

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

Website: www.vedantahouston. org.

ISSO 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:

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

Dr. Ambedkar International Mission Inc. U.S.A

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

Prog: Location: India House 8888 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, Texas 77031

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

Divinity Website: www.godivinity.org

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir 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.

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

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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, BalSanskar Shala, from 11am to 1pm.

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

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

Sri Guruvayurappan Temple 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

Govindaji Gaudiya Math

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evening from 5 - 7 p.m. Vedic heritage classes for kids 5-14.

Location: 16628 Kieth Harrow blvd. Houston, TX 77084 Contact: 281-499-3347/281491-4114.

Sathya Sai Baba Centers Prog: Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at two 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:

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

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

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, 281-3177331 Website:bethesdahoustontamilc hurch.org

Prog: Satsang every Sunday

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VOICE OF ASIA 19

Have you been ABUSED, ATTACKED or INJURED?

Job posting –Associate Producer Trainee KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER TRAINEE. This is a one-year training position. The AP Trainee will gain valuable experience in writing, graphic development and other aspects of producing a television newscast.

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.

Candidates must be willing to work overnights and weekends. College degree preferred.

Preference will be given to those with previous television news experience and those with a strong desire to pursue a career as a television newscast producer. Being a journalist is not just a job, it is a way of life. Only serious candidates should apply. This is a one year training position. There is no guarantee that the trainee will be promoted to a full time staff position at the end of the training program.

For consideration all interested applicants must apply on-line at: www.disneycareers.com.

Applicants must upload cover letter, resume and references. In addition, please send writing samples to: Robin Freese, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 163431BR on ALL materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.

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.

Broadcast Systems Specialist KTRK-TV ABC13 located in Houston, TX is seeking an experienced Broadcast Systems Specialist. This is a great opportunity for someone with advanced knowledge of computerized television broadcast equipment and systems including, but not limited to, master control automation, graphics systems, newsroom automation systems, and Non-Linear Editing Systems such as Avid, Edius, and Final Cut Studio. Strong computer networking skills are required.

The ideal candidate will have experience providing technical support in a broadcast environment and requires someone with a proven track record managing projects.

We are looking for someone that is motivated to excel and possess strong interpersonal skills. Candidates must be willing to work a schedule that will include nights and weekends throughout the year.

To be considered for this position you must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file and cover letter. Job Req # 163432BR No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.

FRIDAY, January 31, 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

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Business for Sale

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2 Shoe Stores in Houston For Sale $250,000.00 Great opportunity, good business, busy locations

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Reliable Caretaker Needed 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.

For details, call: 832-419-7537

Seeking Bride Friends matrimonial invite for Gujarati Vaishnav Young Man age 37, height 5’4” UT Grad, successfully self-employed, born and raised US Citizen. Strong family values, well cultured, understanding, good social skills, generous, kind, pleasant personality and a positive outlook on life. Seeking a kindhearted young lady from the San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Houston areas, ONLY. Send bio and photo to: GreatMatrimony37@gmail.com Or call: (713) 204-8116 or (713) 204-8110

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VOICE OF ASIA 20

FRIDAY, January 31, 2014