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FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
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ead about Medicare Limits on Therapy Services Page 15 Or Call: 713771-2900.
Vol. 27 No. 24 Friday,June 13, 2014 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
Catherine Booth Hospital Nurses’ Reunion in Dallas
BAPS Charities host Community Walk at Sugar Land Town Center
Former students of Catherine Booth Hospital gather for a Reunion in Dallas. by Koshy Thomas
much larger scale. Houston Was selected to conduct the next convention in 2016.
D
ALLAS – Over sixty nurses, alumni from the Catherine Booth Hospital (CBH), is one of the oldest missionary hospitals run by the Salvation Army to conduct Nursing diploma classes in Nagercoil, South India, met for a reunion on May 30, 2014 at the AGAPE Church hall in the heart of Mesquite, Texas. The event was organized by Mrs. Vijayam Raju, a former student of CBH practicing in Dallas, Texas. Each of the nurses who attended the function praised the way they were taught patient care and core values of humanity that helped them become great mothers besides excelling in their profession as nurses.
The slogan for the convention was a “Thanksgiving for all the blessings God has showered upon them throughout their life’s journey”. Program started at 9am with an opening prayer by Dr. Varghese Samuel, also a student of CBH. The guest were welcomed by the organizer Mrs. Vijayam Raju , Bible Reading was by Mrs. Susan Abraham, and sing along by Mrs. Jayamni and Leya. Pastor Ipe Mathai offered devotion, and devotional songs were sung by Mrs. Sosamma George and Mrs. Moani Thomas.
Mrs. Moani Thomas singing.
Hundreds of nurses were trained to practice nursing services in a truly mission of compassion and caring. Many such nurses are serving in the United States since the early 70’s. Probably, all the first generation immigrant nurses were the product of CB Hospital. This is the first time a reunion was organized in the United States and agreed to continue every other year in a
Event organizer Mrs. Vijayam Raju
Family Sharing was very emotional and over two hours members got to mingle and catch up. A Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mrs. Annamma Cherian, Closing prayer by Mr. Selvaraj, and final benediction was given by Cherian Alexander. Thereafter, a delicious Kerala style lunch was served followed by farewells and hoping to meet again in 2016 in Houston.
Participants of the BAPS 15th annual Walkathon held on Sunday, June 8th at the Sugarland Town Center. Read report on Page 3
DAV Montessori Students Graduation Held
DAV Montessori graduating class of 2014. The ceremony was held on May 2, 2014. Read report on Page 6
VOICE OF ASIA Wishes all Fathers a Happy Father’s Day
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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS
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by Rajeev Sharma ndia’s security managers need to draw two quick lessons from the deadly terror attack and the overnight siege of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. One, ďŹ rewall Indian airports against ďŹ dayeen attacks where the terrorists’ brief may be to dig in their heels and hijack a parked plane. And two, from now on, security agencies at all Indian airports need to look for painkiller injections as well, not just weapons. In a ďŹ rst, terrorists in the Karachi airport attack were reportedly armed with a ready supply of painkiller injections. The idea was obviously to prepare them for the long haul and keep on ďŹ ghting even after sustaining injuries, by using the painkiller injections. Paramilitary soldiers arrive at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. Terrorists have been known to have donned security uniforms and stuffed their pockets with dry fruit for long-drawn battles with security forces. Their weaponry is becoming more and more lethal. Terrorists in the Karachi attack were armed with rocket launchers (like in the terror attack on the Indian consulate in Herat, Afghanistan), machine guns and assault ries. However, this is the ďŹ rst time that terrorists have been discovered to have kept with them painkiller injections. This is a dangerous development which has surely been noted by security agencies worldwide. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has rightly issued a nationwide alert at all airports. But one does not know whether the security agencies have been speciďŹ cally directed to look for painkiller injections. Interestingly, there is one more parallel between the Karachi airport attack and the Herat attack at the Indian consulate: Both were ďŹ dayeen operations and aimed at the long haul with much more sinister plans which could not materialise. In the case of the Karachi airport attack, the terrorists’ plan was to hijack a parked plane, while the perpetrators responsible for the 23 May Herat attack wanted to take hostages and ensure the drama plays out right up to Narendra Modi’s swearing in as India’s 15th Prime Minister on 26 May. There is a minute but important difference between a suicide attack and a ďŹ dayeen operation. Both are inevitably suicide operations. A suicide operation invariably means an
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FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Lessons from Karachi attack: Guard against ďŹ dayeen, painkiller shots
Paramilitary soldiers arrive at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. Reuters
attack by a terrorist who kills himself/herself to kill the target. Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination by LTTE Black Tigress Dhanu was a suicide operation. Such operations are just one bang and it’s over. A ďŹ dayeen attack, however, is a pitched battle by terrorists (who generally execute such operations in large numbers, not unlike a compact guerrilla army unit) and these pitched battles are a ďŹ ght to the ďŹ nish where the perpetrators come fully prepared with complete clarity that they won’t go back alive. The Parliament attack (13 December 2001), the Kaluchak massacre (14 May, 2002) and the Mumbai terror attacks (26-29 November, 2008) are prominent ďŹ dayeen attacks. Invariably, a ďŹ dayeen attack is far deadlier than a suicide operation unless the suicide operation is aimed at a top political leader like it was in case of Rajiv Gandhi in Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu) on 21 May, 1991. The Karachi airport attack was a ďŹ dayeen operation launched by ten terror-
ists, many in airport police uniforms, who stretched the battle from shortly before Sunday midnight to Monday morning. This incident is one in a long chain in Pakistan, a country where the security situation is alarmingly fragile. Less than two years ago, another Pakistani airport in another Pakistani city was targeted by terrorists. On 15 December, 2012, ten terrorists (also of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, like in the case of the Karachi airport attack) had launched a similar operation at the Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA) in Peshawar and the airport remained shut for 18 hours. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, was the the target of another audacious ďŹ dayeen attack when on 22 May, 2011, ten terrorists (also of TTP) stormed the PNS Mehran naval base and stretched their bloody ďŹ ght with the security agencies to 16 hours. That raid was TTP’s way of exacting revenge for the May 2011 US raid that killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad. The Karachi airport attack was TTP’s
revenge for killing of TTP chief Haimullah Mehsud in an American drone strike last year. Another major TTP ďŹ dayeen operation was on 16 August, 2012 when terrorists stormed the Minhas Airbase at Kamra, Pakistan’s biggest airbase that hosts about 30 ďŹ ghter jets, and kept the security forces engaged for over ďŹ ve hours. Yet another high-proďŹ le ďŹ dayeen attack against a Pakistani military facility and also conducted by the TTP, was the daring operation on 10 October, 2009 wherein ten terrorists dressed in army uniforms attacked the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. All these incidents are Pakistan-speciďŹ c and apparently portray a picture of Pakistan in self-destruct mode. But one never knows about terror outďŹ ts. They change both targets and tactics overnight. All that matters is their capability. This presents a scary picture for India. The writer is a Firstpost columnist and a strategic analyst who has authored several books on terrorism. He tweets @Kishkindha. (FirstPost).
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C OMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 3
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Second Front Page
Friday, June 13, 2014
Page 3
Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
Tel: 713-774-5140
BAPS Charities host Community Walk at Sugar Land Town Center
A
t the age of 92, Kanu Patel or lovingly known as Kanudada completed the BAPS Charities 15th annual walkathon on Sunday, June 8th at the Sugarland Town Center. After the walk Kanudada smiles and says, “my inspiration were the young ones that are here on a Sunday morning and it’s such a great feeling to see them raise awareness for these great beneficiaries, ADA (American Diabetes Association) and Stafford MSD (Stafford Municipal School District Education Foundation).” By 9:00 am a crowd of 900 participants ranging from young children at the age of 2 to seniors at the age of 92 were ready to kick off the walkathon. The walk was launched with a prayer for world peace followed by inspiring words from the Commissioner of Precinct 2 of Fort Bend County, Grady Prestage. Commissioner Prestage said with excitement that, “15 years of this BAPS (Charities) walk is amazing and I look forward to another 15 years!”
others to contribute to this year’s walkathon. Narayan Bhargava of SDB Group commented, “We are proud to be a sponsor for all the good things that BAPS Charities continues to do.”
Commissioner Grady Prestage. Commissioner of Precinct 2 of Fort Bend County speaks to the the participants.
As part of the walk this year a special run was set for those who chose to run the route. Although Kanudada did not participate in the special 5k run, he smiled as the runners sprinted passed him. With amazement a wheel chaired bound individual, Justin Scott won first place in this year’s 5k run. Second place winner Hinal Patel was amazed, “I can’t believe how fast he was with the wheel chair, if that is not an inspiration then I don’t know what can be.” Along with Kanudada, volunteers of BAPS Charities brought sponsors like Piping Technology & Products, SDB Group, Forge USA, 4th Dimension, Akshar/Shriji Properties, Pref-Tech, Genetec, Minute Maid, Sam’s Club, Bharat Patel and many
About 900 participants ranging from young children at the age of two to seniors at the age of 92 did the community walk on Sunday, June 8th at the Sugarland Town Center.
BAPS Charities undertakes many such charitable events throughout the year to support local communities. BAPS Charities’ projects are inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s motto, “In the joy of others, lies our own”. Through this motto, Pramukh Swami Maharaj selflessly serves society through a variety of social projects and inspires thousands of others to do the same. In addition to the 40 such annual walkathons hosted across North America this year, BAPS Charities hosts a variety of programs to support healthy living, environmental awareness and education initiatives around the world. BAPS Charities sincerely serves the community, by improving the quality of life of individuals and families. About BAPS Charities: BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually. Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community
services, tribal services, and disaster relief services. For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org About the American Diabetes Association: The American Diabetes Association is the only non-profit organization supporting all 23.6 million Americans living with diabetes – including type 1and type 2 diabetes; children and adults. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. About the Stafford MSD Education Foundation: The Stafford MSD Education Foundation was founded in 2004 to create a partnership of educators, businesses, community members, parents, and civic leaders to assist in meeting the ever-increasing demands of providing a high quality education. The Foundation is a taxexempt organization established to secure financial support and other resources for SMSD academic programs. Foundation funds support needs within the district that fall outside the scope of the normal operating budget. Students and teachers benefit from grants and scholarships either funded or orchestrated by the Foundation. Stafford MSD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. For further information, please contact:Viral Desai 832-498-4725 media@houstonmandir.org
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The People’s Lawyer
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
FIS Interviews Hindu Worship Society President, Prabhat .C.Sharma
www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center
Be careful if you cosign Q. I cosigned a loan for a friend. She has stopped paying and now they are demanding I pay. What can I do to force the other person to pay? A. As I have written many times before, you should never cosign for someone unless you are ready and able to pay the debt. When a creditor insists on a cosigner, it is basically saying, “I think there is a chance this person won’t pay and I want you to pay.” As a cosigner, you have the same liability as the person for whom you cosign. If she does not pay, you are obligated to pay. You cannot “force” the other person to pay. If you pay, however, you have the right to seek reimbursement from the other person. If you are not reimbursed, you can file a lawsuit to collect the money you are owed. Q. I agreed to a six-month lease. My landlord said he would give me a lease to sign, but never did. Now I want to move after just one month. Do I have the right to move because I never signed a lease? A. A lease of an apartment for a year or less does not have to be in writing to be enforceable. In other words, if you agreed to a six-month lease, the agreement is binding regardless of whether you sign a lease. If you want to move out early you will have to get the landlord’s consent or you may be responsible for damages. Q. Three years ago, my wife and I signed a note to buy a car. Our divorce decree says my wife gets the car and that she has the obligation to pay the note. She stopped paying and now the bank is asking me to pay. What are my legal obligations? A. Basically, a divorce decree is between the parties to the divorce. It does not affect existing creditors. In other words, you and your ex-wife have agreed that she will pay the note. As far as the bank is concerned, however, you both still owe the money. If your wife does not pay as promised, the bank has the right to seek payment from you. If you pay, however, you in turn have the right to seek payment from your ex-wife. It is not a defense, however, to say to the bank, “the divorce decree says my wife will pay this.” The only way to change your liability for the note is for your wife to refinance in her own name. Q. I cashed my paycheck at a local check-cashing store. A week later the check was not paid and returned. The check cashing company is now requesting that I pay them back the money they gave me. Is this legal? Isn’t this their problem? A. The simple answer is you owe the check cashing company the money they paid you for the check. Whenever you “cash” a check at check cashing store you “indorse” it. By placing your indorsement on the check you are promising to pay if the check is returned. If the check bounces and is returned, you must pay the store who cashed the check, and the check will be returned to you. You then have the right to go against the person who gave you the check. As far as the law is concerned, it is your problem, not the stores. Q. I want to sue someone in Justice Court but I have been told collecting can be difficult. Would it be better for me to get a lawyer and sue in a real court where it is more likely I will get my money? A. It is true that getting your money after winning in Justice Court is sometimes difficult. The problem of collecting after you win, however, is not unique to Justice Court. Justice Court is just as “real” as any other court. A judgment in Justice Court is enforced exactly the same way as a judgment from any other court. Filing your claim in another court will not increase your chance of collecting. To see how you go about collecting a judgment, look at the debt collection and small claims court sections on my website, listed below.
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Krishna Vavilala interviewed P.C.Sharma (right) , President of Hindu Worship Society in HCC studio on May 9th.2014. The interview began with Gayathri Manthra requested by Sharma ji
H
OUSTON - Mr. Prabhat Chander Sharma requested that his interview begin with the invocation of Gayathri Mantra. It is understandable since, he is the President and co-founder of the Hindu Worship Society (HWS) which is located at 2223 Wirtcrest Ln, Houston, TX 77055. Established in 1970, HWS has the distinction of being the very first temple for all Hindus in Houston at the time when Jay store was the only grocery store for all Indians. The Southern Indians broke up from HWS and built their own temple in Pearland which is called Meenakshi Temple Society (MTS). Mr. Sharma was born on 23rd. January, 1938 in Lahore, Pakistan in undivided India to a physician father, Dr. Banarsi Dass Sharma and mother Promila Sharma. Dr. Sharma was a close associate of Bhagat Singh, a well-known revolutionary and freedom fighter in India’s freedom struggle. Bhagat Singh was tried and executed by the British. Bhagat Singh and his father, Dr. Banarsi Dass Sharma had co-founded an organization called Nav Jawan Sabha for young people to fight for India’s freedom. Dr. Banarsi Dass was a product of National College in Lahore which was home for many freedom fighters and revolutionaries in those days. The college was not recognized by the British. Dr. Sharma left for heaven in 1941. Mr. P. C. Sharma has inherited some of the revolutionary qualities of his father. In the aftermath of partition in 1947, Sharma’s family migrated to Delhi, India just two months before Independence, and lived in refugee camps. He got free education because of his poverty status, but always excelled in education. He grad-
uated from India’s premium institute, IIT Khargapur in Mechanical Engineering as one of the top 5 ranked students. After working in Calcutta, he joined Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), Hardwar in 1963 and was sent to Leningrad in Soviet Union for specialized training in Hydro Turbines, as a Graduate trainee. He became the Executive Engineer in 1966 and went on to become the Superintending Engineer. Being an activist, he contested and became the Secretary of BHEL Officer’s Club which had a number of Russians also as members. In a club event, when only the Russian anthem was sung and India’s national anthem was not sung, Sharma protested severely to higher authorities, which caught attention of the media and the issue was also raised in India’s parliament. His superiors in BHEL did not like his activism and made his life miserable by setting un-achievable production targets. That was the time when he thought of leaving BHEL and immigrate to America. Being the only son, his mother did not like him leaving India. Asked why he only considered America, but not Russia, where he got his professional training, his response was that he came to America for better life and opportunities. Being her only son, his mother did not want him to emigrate. But she made the sacrifice and agreed to her son’s desire. Mr. Sharma says that his son thanks him for bringing him to America. After arriving in Houston In 1974, he joined CE Lummus Engineering Company as a draftsman-designer, a job well below his qualifications, but soon rose up the ladder and retired as Manager of Mechanical Engineering in the company
after 30 years of service. Their children, son, Puneet Sharma and daughter, Puja Sharma were born in India and raised in America. Puneet is presently a Vice-President in Modek Engg. Co., but unfortunately their unmarried daughter, Dr. Puja Sharma, who was a qualified anesthesiologist passed away prematurely. Sharma candidly confesses that despite all the efforts of the first generation Indians to pass on their culture to their children sooner or later, everybody will be absorbed into the American melting pot, citing the example of his own son who married an American girl. Sharma was married in 1964 to Jaya Sharma a B.A. degree graduate from Maharani College in Jaipur. She was born in Simla and raised in Delhi. She is a singer in her own right and sings Bhajans in the temple. Besides serving the Hindu Worship Society, Mr. Sharma is also a cofounder of Hindus of Greater Houston Association. Sharmas enjoy the company of granddaughter, Kiran Sharma, 16 and grandson, Garik Sharma now 11, both attending private schools here in Houston. Indo-American Oral History project is an undertaking of the Foundation for India Studies (FIS), a 501(c3) non-profit organization registered in Houston, Texas. Video interviews of the first generation Indian immigrants will be digitized and archived in the Indo-American Oral History collection of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center which is administered by the Houston Public Library. For information or participation in the project, please contact Mr. Krishna Vavilala @ 713-795-5169 or email: K VAV I L A L A 1 @ G M A I L . COM.
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VOICE OF ASIA 5
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
India House Hosts Yoga Lecture by world Nobel Laureate Tagore’s renowned yoga guru Dr. H.R. Nagendra life story - A multimedia experience!
H
oustonian’s are in for a treat on Friday, June 20th at Stafford Civic Center at 7.30pm. A 90 minute multimedia experience on reflections of of Tagore’s life
erywhere the audience reaction was the same - we knew very little about the man Tagore - before watching the play. It is hard to get people to write something AFTER the show.
Jurney , is being presented by SAMSKRITI and is produced by Kushalbose productions. Special local flavor has been added to the show with special appearance by Rathna Kumar and Chitra Divakaruni Banerjee.
Another important thing I would like you to know is - I wrote the play in English because I wanted to take Tagore out of the clasps of the Bengali people and deliver him to Non-Bengalis and Americans. Most importantly I wanted to reach the second generation Indian Americans who know very little about Tagore and his message. This play will give them (hopefully) a quest to learn more about Tagore because Tagore’s vision and messages are timeless and universal. I tried to make this point very very clear in my play because I not only want people to read Tagore, bit too live Tagore!
Exciting details are listed on the website www.tagoreplay.com. However
Dr. H.R. Nagendra delivering his lecture at India House.
H
Dr. H.R. Nagendra with Dr. Durga Agrawal, India House Trustee Photos by Bijay Dixit.
OUSTON – Keeping with the tradition of bringing internationally well-known figures to Houston, India House Houston was proud to host a free yoga and jyotish lecture titled “Yoga for Positive Mind & Body” given by Dr. H.R. Nagendra on June 6, 2014 at their O.P. Jindal Center, 8888 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031. The lecture was presented in collaboration with the Museum of fine Arts, Houston and Asia Society Texas Center.
In this play I have tried to follow Tagore’s life’s “journey” from his birth to death - trying to chronicle and explain How/What/Who influenced and inspired Tagore and how those people/ places/persons affected his creativity So this play is about Tagore’s life told from the perspective of his intellectual journey - one that has never been attempted before. I am proud of the fact that all showings of this play received rave reviews and ev-
The event was open to the public and attracted a packed house of 200 people in attendance who listened to the Guru Ji, as he is popularly known with apt attention. The goal of this event was to educate people to live healthy, happy & peaceful life by integrating elements of Yoga in their daily life. After welcoming note by Jugal Malani, President India House and introducing the guest, Dr. H.R Nagendra proceeded with the lecture explaining every aspect of his lecture ably supported by a power point projection. Dr. H.R. Nagendra, a former space scientist of NASA, is the vice Chancellor of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research foundation (SVYASA) University,
Here are a few excepts from the producer director Kushal Bose himself:
Houston to Celebrate Rath Yatra Dr. H.R. Nagendra answers a question for a guest during the Q & A session. Bengaluru, India. He is also on the Board of Advisors of Yoga Bharti. Dr. Nagendra has published many research papers on Yoga and its applications. He is a well-known yoga researcher, practitioner & philosopher. During his lecture he defined yoga is not just physical postures
but is mastery over the mind & body which can lead to optimal health of people. He explained the physiology of stress which is the sympathetic activation at body level and the contribution of stress filled life style towards it. He suggests the practice called cyclic meditation based
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on the concepts from the yogic scriptures which provides deep rest to the human system developed by SVYASA. Further he presented 30 years of SVYASA scientific research in the field of yoga on different aliments. SVYASA has yoga research collaboration with MD Anderson on yoga cancer. At the end of the lecture Dr. Krishna Madappa, President & founder of Institute for science & spirituality from New Mexico, presented on GDV (Gas Discharge Visualization) Bio- well machine which tracks our Prana (Energy) in our body. The lecture was concluded with a never ending session of Q & A which had to be interrupted as it was past the dinner time. All attendees were informed that free Yoga classes are run at India House by local Director of Houston VYASA’s Shri Vishwarupa on Tue and Thu from 11 am to 12 pm and on Saturdays from 10 to 11 am. Word of thanks was given by Dr. Durga Agrawal, one of the Trustees of India House. The attendees were treated with authentic Banglorian food catered by Udipi restaurant keeping in mind that Dr. Nagendra was visiting from Bangalore. India house was also home to the workshop on Stress Management conducted by Guruji on the following day, Saturday June 7th from 8:30 am t0 1:30 pm. For further information please contact Vipin Kumar at 713772-1900 or info@indiahouseinc.org
Thousands gathered at last year’s Rath yatra Come June 28th, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra will be in their chariots drawn through the streets of Downtown Houston. The Rath Yatra is traditionally held in the city of Puri (Jagganathpuri) in the state of Orissa on the second day of the ‘Shukla paksh’ or the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashad translating loosely to early July for 2014. The statues of the three deities are taken out of the Puri temple and led in a procession to the Gundicha mata’s temple where the deities stay for about nine days. Houston, however will celebrate this yatra in the downtown area for more than six hours amidst the gathering of hundreds of devotees. The SKAI (Surya Kabita Amlan Ishan) Foundation established in 2007 has been instrumental in bringing this piece of Hindu tradition to the city of Houston. Their website explains the significance of the Rath Yatra . The festival is also known as Gundicha Jatra, Ghosa Jatra, Navadina Jatra, Dasavatara Jatra and by a variety of other names. Rathe tu vamanam drishtwa punarjan-
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mam na vidyate: A glimpse of the Vamana, the dwarf form, an incarnation of Lord Jagannatha, is sure to ensure emancipation, release from the cycle of birth and death. Jatra is an essential part of the ritual of the Hindu system of worship. Jatra literally means travel or journey. Normally, it is the representative deities of temples more popularly known as Utsava Murti in south and Chalanti Pratima or Bije Pratima in Odisha, partake in these journeys. This is a free event open to public managed by Masala Radio. ZEE TV along with Tara Energy, Mercedez Benz of Sugar land are the major sponsors. The event starts at 6.00 PM on June 28th and includes the chariot procession and other activities such as Mahapooja and Prasad, Cultural Show hosted by Sunil T, Dhol and Bollywood music by DJ Nish, Open Air Dandia Raas with Dandia sticks provided free by Zee TV and ofcourse, Indian Bazaar and Food Booths. For more information, please visit www.GreaterHoustonRathYatra.org.
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It truly is a rare opportunity for Houstonians to experience this life journey of Tagore, with exciting visuals, lilting dances and commentary in English For tickets visit www.tagoreplay.com or Sulekha.com. Local contact from Samskriti is Anil or Rathna Kumar 832 275 9656/9658 .
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VOICE OF ASIA 6
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Houston Telugus celebrate DAV Montessori Students Telangana State formation Graduation Held with songs, music and gaiety Udayabanu, Goreti Venkanna, Vandemataram Srinivas embraced the event with Telangana songs.
Directors and organizers of Greater Houston Telangana Friends Association.
Popular personalities including TV actress and anchor Udayabanu, poet and singer Goreti Venkanna, music director Vandematram Srinivas were among the performers on the day.
G
reater Houston Telangana Friends Association has organized Telangana State formation celebrations in Houston on June 7th 2014 at Durga Bari Temple Kala bhavan. Popular TV Actress and Anchor Udayabanu, Popular poet and singer Goreti Venkanna, Popular Music Director Vandematram Srinivas attended the event and mesmerized the crowd with Telangana folks songs. USA Paduthaa Theeyaga Finalists Singers Manisha and Arjun also entertained the Crowd.
Event started with Tribute to Amaraveerulu and Professor Jayashankar Sir. Local kids performed Classical dance followed by Anchor Udaya banu taking over the stage. Udayabanu involved audience with games. It was followed by a beautiful song from Vandemataram Srinivas. The show then reached an absolute pinnacle when Goreti Venkanna stepped onto the stage, whose folk songs were enjoyed to the fullest by the
audience of all age groups filling in the environment with youthful spirit. The show also had the support from the chairman of Telangana-JAC Professor Kodandaram garu and the lyricist for Telangana State Anthem, Praja Kavi Dr. Ande Sri garu who sent their special messages for the Houston Telanganites, appreciating the work and support for the new state.
Raj Rentala, Veerender, Mayuri Sridhar, Dp, Ramesh, Jagapathi, Chetan, Sanjeev, Bangar
On May 25, DAV Montessori parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, and staff celebrated their graduates. In special attendance was Elliot Gershenson, the CEO of Interfaith Ministry. The morning began with a beautiful satsang in which the 1st grade parents were blessed by Acharya Surya Nanda Ji, who then spoke of the two births we experience, the birth we have from our mother and then the birth we have when we learn from our teacher. After the religious ceremony, the guest speaker Acharya Gaurang Bhai Nanavaty, Director for Chinmaya Mission, delighted the audience and especially reached the students when he told them a story stressing the children to “make the world noble” as the school’s motto states. The children’s story, tells the tale of a rat who asks to become an increasingly more ferocious animal so that it does not have to fear its predator but in the end forgets that fear and instead becomes a predator. Acharyaji left the children and adults alike enthralled by the story. Arti Khanna, the lady behind the scenes, also known as the school director, graciously thanked all the teachers and volunteers who helped her throughout the year and showed a brief school slideshow. She also brought forward Acharya Praveenji who has still been teaching the children while his health has been recovering. Of course a DAV event can never be complete without the force behind the school Dev Mahajan, Devji as he is lovingly called. The emcee Renu Jain gave congratulations to the teachers for the once again impressive IOWA test scores. The children out-ranked their peers
Acharya Gaurang Bhai Nanavaty, Director for Chinmaya Mission, was the Guest Speaker.
DAVM graduates with thier teachers and Acharya Nanavaty. once again. All tested at least 1 or 2 grade levels above their grade levels in all subjects and the average scores were 90 percentile. This was the first year that DAV had a 2nd grade classroom with the addition of Ms. Sandhya, who brought traditional classroom methods to the school. With this success, next year the 2nd grade class
The delicious food served by Mayuri Indian Restaurant and Biryani Pot requires a special mention here. The menu also included the Telangana’s top delicacies like Sakinalu, apart from the other Vegetarian and Non- Vegetarian items. The show ended with an oath from the Houston Telanganites to support the new state by their contribution in its development. Key organizers who worked tirelessly for this event are
Children’s performances were among the highlights of the celebrations.
will have 12 students and the five 2nd graders will move on to the new 3rd grade class. The continued successes of these classes are the reason that Devji committed to the parents that he will continue to pursue 4th and 5th grades for this school. The best part of the day was the children’s performances. Tiny tots, two and half year olds were simply adorable on stage doing what they do best—following the songs in their hearts. The pre-school and elementary classes were all so wonderful in their varied performances varying in themes from keeping India clean, to celebrating Gujarat who brought us our new Prime Minister Modi, to Indian diversity, to East meets West, to the students’ will to conquer the world. It touches the heart to watch the young generation participate in performances with songs, dances, and costumes that are from our Indian culture. With a curriculum that includes Hindi and yoga and extracurricular activities that include MonArt, Classical Indian Music, and Bollywood dance, it is no surprise these kids perform so wonderfully. DAV Montessori is giving the community a rare gift of an exemplary education with that beautiful dash of Indian magic.
CHAR DHAM TEMPLE PRESENTS FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS (RATH YATRA) http://greaterhoustonrathyatra.org
Houston Durga Bari
13944 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082 Chariot pulling by devotees, Kirtan, Bhajan and Free Lunch Prasad www.durgabari.org
http//skaifoundation.org
Devasnana Puja • At Durga Bari • June 15, 2014 (Sunday) • 9:00 AM - 12 Noon • Free Lunch Prasad For more information, contact: Dr. Bishnupada Goswami, Chief Priest (832)-367-6646
Rath Yatra • At Durga Bari - Chariot Pulling • June 29, 2014 (Sunday) • 9:00 AM - 2 PM • Free Lunch Prasad Partha: (832)326-4274
Bahuda Yatra • At Durga Bari - Chariot Pulling • July 05, 2014 (Saturday) • 9:00 AM - 2 PM • Free Lunch Prasad
DIASPORA
VOICE OF ASIA 7
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Swami Ramdev Hailed As Architect Of India’s 2014 Election tions with top US Universities and Medical Colleges on yoga and Ayurveda. He is expected to visit USA in 2014.
Shekhar Agrawal, Durga Agrawal, Braham Aggarwal & Bhishma K. Agnihotri with Swami Ramdev in Delhi, India. by Manu Shah
H
e has been called “the voice of yoga”, the “fearless sanyasi” and “soldier saint.” Baba Ramdev has the distinction of reviving the ancient practice of yoga and Ayurveda which led to millions of faithful followers globally. However for the past five years he did something as revolutionary – he “awakened the masses.” Swami Ramdev embarked on a crusade that unified the country and infused a sense of patriotism among Indians. He started the Bharat Swabhiman Trust in 2009 and launched a mass movement campaign urging Indians to remove a Government which was turning a blind eye to the rampant corruption and scams in every sector and department. Everywhere he went he spoke forcefully about this and other issues that were bringing India down – the black money both inside and outside the country, rising crime rates and the fall of the rupee. He brought attention to these serious issues and repeatedly hammered home the point that Indians are poor because we have been looted by the Mughals, the East India Company and the Congress government. When India went to the polls in April 2014, they not only removed a corrupt Congress-UPA government but handed a landslide victory to the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi. The announcement to make
Modi the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate was made by Swami Ramdev in Uttarkhand. He reiterated this announcement at the inauguration of Acharyakulam in Haridwar on 26th April, 2013 in the presence of Narendra Modi who was the Chief Guest and 50,000 people in Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar. On 8th September, 2013 he prophesized that the BJP would win more than 300 seats and in a few days his call to nominate Modi as the future Prime Minister of India was approved by the BJP.
Swami Ramdev’s outspokenness against the Congress party cost him dearly. There were regular crackdowns on Patanjali Yogpeeth by Income Tax officials, he had hundreds of cases slapped on him, a peaceful protest by his supporters at the Ram Lila Maidan in Delhi was lathi charged by the police and he was not spared even on his international visits. In the midst of all this, Swami Ramdev remained unflappable and was laser focused on his goal – liberate India from the Congress.
Swami Ramdev crisscrossed the country – its villages, districts, towns and cities urging Indians everywhere to vote for the BJP and Modi who he described as a “blessing from God” and a “ray of hope.” He addressed 12 crore people directly through more than 1,000 public meetings and debated energetically with every media channel and newpaper to reach out to the masses! An interesting fact that emerged during the BJP’s victory celebrations was that like Chanakya, he also undertook a vow or pratigya nine months ago that he would not enter Haridwar until the Congress government was defeated!
Swami Ramdev visited Houston in September 2013 and encouraged the gathering to help him achieve his goal of awakening the masses. He was given a standing ovation and his message was taken to heart. Volunteers called family, friends and even total strangers urging them to vote for Modi!
On 5th January, 2014, Modi joined Swami Ramdev in celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Bharat Swabhiman Trust and voiced his high regard for him with the words “Yog Ke Is Mahapavitra Abhiyan ko Pranam Karta Hoon.” (I offer my respects to this great selfless yogi’s campaign)
There is little doubt that Swami Ramdev had a significant impact on the outcome of the elections. Modi, along with several high ranking BJP leaders, publicly acknowledged his contribution in making the elections a national movement. At the Sankalp Purti Mahotsav organized on May 18 at the Talkator Stadium in New Delhi to celebrate the BJP’s spectacular victory, BJP veteran Arun Jaitley stated that “Swamiji’s goal was to strengthen the system” and the “struggles he undertook against black money and corruption is similar to those struggles undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi and Jayprakash Narayan”. BJP President Rajnath Singh also thanked Swamiji for his support in the electoral battle and said that Swamiji “had not worked for the party or a post but for the country.”
Indian-American couple arrested on charges of healthcare fraud WASHINGTON: An IndianAmerican couple in the US has been arrested on the charges of crafting the doctors’ reports themselves and photocopying real physicians’ signatures onto the documents. Nita Patel and Kirtish Patel, both 51 and from Rockaway in New Jersey, face maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine. The couple, owner and operator of Biosound Medical Services and Heart Solutions of Parsippany, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, US Attorney Paul J Fishman’s office said yesterday. Arrested from their residence in New Jersey yesterday, they were released on a USD 100,000 unsecured bond, with
travel restricted to New Jersey unless given prior approval by pretrial services. They have been asked to surrender their passports. In their complaint, prosecutors alleged that about half of diagnostic reports generated by Biosound in the past two years had a photocopied signature from a reading physician when no physician had actually seen, reviewed or interpreted the results. Rather than pay compensation to a reading physician, Kirtish allegedly would interpret the diagnostic results himself and Nita would either photocopy or electronically cut and paste a physician’s signature onto a diagnostic report that was drafted by an employee of Biosound and forwarded to the referring physician who ordered the testing. (PTI).
READ These Stories Online www.voiceofasiaonline.com
As the date of voting neared, Swami Ramdev flagged off a support campaign “Dharmayuddha 2014” on 23rd March, where his volunteers went door to door to work for a 100% voter turnout. On 13th May, 2013, the top management of Patanjali Yogpeeth, USA and Bharat Swabhiman Overseas met Swami Ramdev in Delhi to discuss the work being done by the USA Trust and his next visit to the US. Swami Ramdev inspired the members to move forward with greater speed in building the Patanjali Yoga and Research Center in Houston and to begin research collabora-
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COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 8
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
The 3rd North American Odissi Convention hosts Kelucharan Guna Keertanam, 2014
H
OUSTON - The 3rd North American Odissi convention- Kelucharan Guna Keertanam, 2014 was an intimate whole day festival, hosted at Sur Audtitorium of Houston Durga Bari society at Houston, on June 1st, organized by Smt. Aparupa Chatterjee, the Odissi exponent of Srjan, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Nrityabasa, Bhubaneshwar, India, disciple of Guru Ratikant and Sujata Mohapatra, and the current Odissi instructor at Anjali Center for Performing Arts. With a full house, the 3rd anniversary of this festival commemorated the 10th year of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s demise and the 10th year of Chatterjee’s association with Srjan. A decade after Guruji left this world Chatterjee felt a need to bring together disciples from all over USA and his family, to relive the magic of those halcyon days of brilliant pieces by Guruji. The program started at sharp 2:00pm with an invocation to Lord Jagannath, by our beloved Consul General P. Harish, his wife Smt. Nandita Harisha with Amrit Narayan Achari, followed by an inaugural Hindustani classical vocal by Shreya Maiti, a disciple of Pandit Ajoy Chakroborty. The dance recital
initiated with a warm message from Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, who could not make it this time, and moved on to ‘Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu’ by Chatterjee’s students, and ‘Bakra tunda Mahakaya’ by Houstonbased Smt.Aloka Kanungo’s disciple and Odissi exponent, Supradipta Datta’s student, Soma Mitra-Behura. The curtain raiser and attraction of the program was Smt. Sujata Mohapatra, daughter-inlaw of Guruji, from Bhubaneshwar, with an excellent execution of Durga, Kede Chhanda (an oriya abhinaya) and Ramayana. Her well-maintained figure, stage presence, expertise, finesse and incredible grace were incomparable and stood as ideal for all artists of the day. This was followed by a production of Chatterjee’s dance company girls- ‘Vande mataram’, a choreography by Guruji, trained by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, rendered with beauty and patriotic love for mother India by the talented young and upcoming Odissi dancers, trained for a long time. ‘Ardhanariswara’, ‘Jaya mahesha’, ‘Aravi pallavi’ and ‘Patdeep pallavi’ were also executed her students of Houston, Austin, Dallas and College Station. Senior featured and sponsored Bharatnatyam artist,
Dr.Janaki Rangarajan from Virginia performed an Alaripu, Thillana in Raag Purvi, and Abhinaya ‘Yahi madhava yahi keshava’, which were touching, rhythmic and convincing. Senior featured and sponsored Kathak artist from Montreal, Canada, Smt. Sudeshna Maulik, disciple of Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, Pandit Birju Maharaj and Pandit Chitresh Das, performed Kathak. Her brilliant control on rhythm, broad stance and amplitude in movements, technique, though less effusive jumps were noteworthy.
Consul General P. Harish, and wife Smt. Nandita Harisha fondly receive a bouquet from young girl.
Lisa Santhanam and Nazanin Baygani, current Odissi artists, having performed internationally in acclaimed festivals acquitted themselves creditably through ‘Hamsadhwani pallavi’ and ‘Mahli mala’, respectively.
performed by Supradipta Datta’s Kalaangan students. Noteworthy to mention- sponsoring team led by OCC, Sitaram foundation, SKAI, PTPI; organizing and public relations team led by Smt. Gouri Achari; managing/ travel expenses for artists team led by Smt. Madhumita Sengupta; venue team led by Smt. Mila Sengupta; announcement team of Sanchali Basu, Swati Chakroborty, Sruti Nuthalapati and Anusha Sengupta and decoration team led by Smt. Mridula Karna.
Other beautiful dances in Odissi style by upcoming and young talents were ‘Kalyan pallavi’, performed by Prianka Ghoshal from Austin (student of Supradipta Datta), ‘Navadurga’, performed by Nivedina Sharma from Dallas (student of Aparajita Misra), ‘Ahe neela shaila’ performed by Divya Saha from California (student of Niharika Mohanty), ‘Chandana charchita’ performed by Shipra Meherotra’s Avantika Dance company students from Houston and ‘Nachonti ronge’
Left: Odissi dance artist and guru Smt. Aparupa Chatterjee
OBITUARY Aby Idicula Cherian resident of Sugar Land TX died in tragic car accident on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Aby was born in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India on Oct. 4, 1980. He was 33 yrears old. His house name is Therakathu House, Thittamel, Chengannur Allappey district, Kerala state, India. He is preceded in death by grandparents, Mr. Idicherian Varghese and Mrs. Annamma Idicherian and T. I. Kurian and Saramma Kurian Therakathu House, Chengannur, Kerala, India. He is survived by his father Kurian Idicula, mother Aliyamma Idicula, and brother Sibi Kurian. Aby Idicula Cherian Born: Oct. 4, 1980 Departed: Jun. 7, 2014
Odissi dancers at the Convention
Obituary
Aleyamma Joseph, 97 years,
Aleyamma Joseph, 97 years, w/of late K.T. Joseph, Vattappara House, Kumarakom Death Occurred at : S.H. Mount, Kottayam Funeral : At Lourdes Forane Church, Collectrate P.O., Kottayam, on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 1.30 pm Sons & daughters: Thomas K.J., Kumarakom Mary Antony, Udayamperoor John K.J. (USA) Chinnamma Kuriakose, perunna Thressiamma Kurian, Nalukodi Joseph K.J.,USA Mathew Joseph, U S A Varghese K. J. U S A Son & daughter in laws: Annamma Vallamkulam Antony Manikkanamprail, Udyamperoor Jessy John U.S.A Kuriakose,Perunna P.K Kurian,Nalukodi, Achamma U S A., Thresiamma Thottumkal U SA Lizamma USA
Wake will be held on June 13, 2014 from 5pm to 9pm at Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, 12803Sugar Ridge Blvd., Stafford, TX 77477 Funeral services will be held on June 14, 2014,9am at Immanuel Mar Thomas Church, Stafford, Tx. Burial servicing following at Davis Greenlawn Memorial Park cemetery at 3900 B F Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, TX 77471.
VOICE OF ASIA 9
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
VOICE OF ASIA 10
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
VOICE OF ASIA 11
LIFESTYLE
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com
Vol. 27
No. 24 Friday, June 13, 2014 Section 2
First Impressions:
Page 11
Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140
Rammyez Spring Summer 2015 Couture Collection Is A Hit With Houston
by Shobana Muratee
O
n the lush lawns of the River Oaks Garden Club of Houston was captured the passion and romance which lingers around the enchanting Taj Mahal. It was in the form of a fashion show ‘Ishq Roots’, Roots of India Shown Through Romance that presented ten strikingly original looks of Rammyez Spring/ Summer Couture Collection 2015. Rammy Kaur, creator of Rammez by Rammy, is a fashion designer from Houston who set a new trend by incorporating the rich silks and beaded fabric from India. Rammy is the daughter of Jasbir Singh and Bhupinder Bawa of Bawa Jewelers who are originally from India but she was born in the United States. Rammy attended The Art Institute of Houston for a degree in Fine Art Fashion Design. Rammy says she did not visit India until 2005, but it was then she learned about her rich heritage. It was still bright even after sunset on that day June 5, 2014, when the fashion divas and enthusiasts (mostly 20-40 year olds) gathered at the Club decorated with a pink carpet which served as the runway (and pink and white setting all around). The DJ played some choice Bollywood music to which the models catwalked at ease displaying a range of spring and summer evening wear. Teal, beige, pink, white and gold brocade were the most prominent. Outfits were mostly short shorts, skirts, and flocks with one exception of white and gold harem pants-slash-jump suit that was exceptionally elegant. Rammy walked in her flowing white beaded silk chiffon gown set off by a short hot pink underlining, which almost made the gown blush! The show also introduced Rammyez by Rammy brand shoes and purses (clutches) that wore her signature look. Rammy truly captured the Indian gold craze but she toned it to a wearable level by not going over the top with the gold theme. She sewed all the garments and made the patterns for them. It took her six months to put her collection together but it was all worth it. As a fashion designer, Rammy has already made her mark. Her senior collection is inspired by Chanel’s
pre-fall 2012 collection. Indian culture is reflected throughout the collection in the rich textiles of silk and chiffon, along with the detailed handbeading and jewels worn by kings and queens. Coco Chanel loved how the royalty was clothed and thus inspired Rammy to incorporate the symbol of love in India - The Taj Mahal. Noted personalities from the fashion and music circles who attended the show included: Jared Lang from Fashion Houston (President and Founder), Luis Soto, Fashion co editor at Metrovelvet.com, and others like The Great Khali, WWE wrestler,Victoria
Rammy Kaur with husband Sunny and daughter.
A model displays Rammyez by Rammy Spring/Summer Couture Collection
Fashion designer Rammy Kaur with her parents and models. Ai Linh Bryant, Mani Talib (blogger/ stylist at inspiration’s Muse), Susanne Behrens, President of Art Institute of Houston, Jessica Debate, Former voice of 94.5 The Buzz Radio station, Rocko Stedy Narvios, Hip Hop Art-
ist, Danny Nguyen, couture fashion designer, and Toni Whitaker, Houston fashion designer. The show started with cocktails and tapered off with a champagne and
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more free flowing drinks for the guests. Rammy did an excellent job not only as a designer but as a host as well. She appreciated her husband Sunny for his patience and support, and her parents and her brother Monty for their encouragement. She thanked all her models, the DJ and all the guests for showing up for the first look of her Rammyez by Rammy shoes collection.
LEISURE
VOICE OF ASIA 12
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Clinton launches book tour, rolls back ‘dead broke’ claim
‘Mars, Venus’ author warns over sex in online world - Interview
Clinton said on the morning show.
“I think it’s because France is a romantic country, the language is more romantic, people care more about relationships,� Gray said.
“We worked hard for everything we got in our lives -- and we have continued to work hard,� she added.
Impact of technology The 62-year-old -who says he has saved “at least� hundreds of thousands of marriages over the last two decades -- meanwhile was ambivalent about the impact of technology on relationships.
“And we have been blessed in the last 14 years.â€? But she stressed that the Clintons were $12 million in debt after eight years in the White House, mostly due to high legal fees incurred by Bill Clinton in his impeachment defense linked to his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. Former US Secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s memoir titled “Hard Choicesâ€? after its release on June 9 in Washington, DC. The long-awaited book is seen as an unofďŹ cial start to her expected 2016 presidential run. (AFP PHOTO )
N
EW YORK, June 10, 2014 (AFP) - Hillary Clinton launched her much-anticipated book tour Tuesday and tried to smooth over a ap over her earlier remark that she and her husband Bill were “dead brokeâ€? when they left the White House.
memoir, “Hard Choices.â€? The appearance kicks off a whirlwind few weeks of events that many describe as a dry run for a prospective 2016 presidential campaign. But ďŹ rst the Democrat took to the airwaves, in a one-hour special Monday night on ABC in which she said the Clintons left the White House “not only dead broke, but in debt.â€?
Hundreds of fans of the former secretary of state, many wearing shirts that said “Hillary Rocks,â€? lined up as early as 5:00 am in New York, where Clinton was due to make her ďŹ rst public signings of her
“We had no money when we got there, and we struggled
to, you know, piece together the resources for mortgages, for houses, for Chelsea’s education. You know, it was not easy,� she said. After the comments drew charges of elitism and insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Americans, she followed up with a live Tuesday morning interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America.� “Let me clarify that I fully appreciate how hard life is for so many Americans today,�
“For me, it’s just a reality what we faced when he got out of the White House, meant we had to keep working really hard,� she said. Bill Clinton wrote a bestselling memoir after his presidency for which he received a multi-million-dollar advance, and he earned a fortune in speaking fees. Hillary Clinton earned a reported $8 million advance for her 2003 memoir, “Living History,� and even more for her current book. Hillary Clinton is also in the midst of a lucrative speaking circuit in which she earns an estimated $200,000 per speech.
World’s oldest man dies in New York
N
EW YORK, June 9, 2014 (AFP) - The world’s oldest man, a 111-year-old US immigrant from Poland, has died at a New York home for the elderly, the Guinness Book of World Records said Monday.
in a statement. He turned 111 on February 4. Imich, a retired chemist and parapsychologist, also was certiďŹ ed in April as the world’s oldest man by the Gerontology Research Group of Torrance, California.
Alexander Imich passed away early Sunday at a Manhattan senior residence where he had lived since 1986, the organization said
Guinness described a long and eventful life in which Imich fought the Bolshevik Revolution
and survived the Holocaust before immigrating to the United States from the Soviet Union with his wife Wela in 1951. “What an incredible life Dr Imich led - ďŹ ghting the Bolsheviks as a teenager, earning a PhD in the 1920s, surviving a Soviet labor camp, losing much of his family to the Nazis and pursuing a successful career as a chemist and parapsychologist,â€? Craig
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He reportedly also exercised regularly, ate sparingly and never drank alcohol.
Gray, whose books including the original 1992 classic have been published in 50 languages and sold 50 million copies, is also worried about feminism, which he blames for spiking divorce rates. “The reason why there’s so much divorce is that feminism promotes independence in women. I’m very happy for women to ďŹ nd greater independence, but when you go too far in that direction, then who’s at home?â€? he asked. In an interview with AFP, Gray said widespread feminism in America holds back sales of his books here, while other parts of the world -he cited Australia and Latin America notably -- are more in tune with his basic message. Men and women come from different planets, and the two sexes should stop trying to behave similarly, and embrace their own natural personalities, according to Gray. “The most resistance I get to my message is in America. Wherever feminism has a strong hold, there’s resistance to the idea that men and women are different,â€? he said. “When you go to Australia, for example, there’s a very clear knowledge that men and women are different.â€? Gray also cited Latin American countries as places where “they love my books.â€? In Europe, he said his biggest fans are in France.
But he voiced concern notably about two online trends: Internet porn, and the huge success of so-called cheating websites, where users can hook up with others seeking illicit affairs. “With free Internet porn, there’s a massive addiction happening... just millions and millions of people are experiencing their sexual satisfactions through total fantasy,â€? Gray said. “The effect that porn has on the brain is like taking heroin.â€? Cheating websites, while providing real physical sexual experiences, are equally dangerous to real, long-term loving relationships, the author cautioned. Sites like www.ashleymadison.com and www.arrangementďŹ nders.com go “along the same line of pornography,â€? he said. “When you have impersonal sex.... ‘It’s OK, here are these cheating wives, men, they want to have sex with you.’ “So you go have sex with someone that you don’t know and someone you don’t love... impersonal sex does promote addiction to sex,â€? he said. The California-based author and counselor meanwhile said he thought the famously liberal and fun-in-the-sun western US state had more divorce precisely because life is so easy here. “Freethinkers want to go to California... They’re experimenting with new things, so there’s a lot of feminism here. You’re at work all the time, naturally you start having affairs at work, and you get divorced,â€? Gray said. “California people are experimenting with new ways... I don’t think therapy’s the answer for everybody, I just think they need more therapy here.â€?
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But in other interviews, he attributed his longevity to the fact that he and his wife, a painter and therapist who died in 1986, never had children.
Free Internet porn is “like taking heroin,� while online cheating websites can also lead to sex addiction, Gray said.
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Interviewed by US television about the secret of his long life, Imich once quipped: “I don’t know, I simply didn’t die earlier. I have no idea how this happened.�
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OS ANGELES- He claims to have saved hundreds of thousands of marriages. But John Gray, author of “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus,� is worried by where relationships are going -- notably online.
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Guinness said work is already underway to identify the successor as world’s oldest man. Some news reports said the title will now go to Sakari Momoi of Japan, also 111, born just one day after Imich in 1903.
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“To live such an extraordinarily long and rich life is a testament to good genes, a healthy lifestyle and a positive mental attitude. Dr Imich is an inspiration to anyone wishing to make the most out of their limited time on Earth.�
The New York Times wrote that Imich, in his will, left his body to medical research.
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Being able to meet people easily online has its pluses he said, citing notably the number of divorced people in their 40s and 50s who seek out former friends and partners from their younger days.
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VOICE OF ASIA 13
Friday, June 13, 2014
Section 2
Page 13
Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
Book on veteran actor Dilip Kumar’ launched, Bollywood VIPs in attendance
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Tel: 713-774-5140
Saif Ali Khan mimics father-in-law Randhir Kapoor in ‘Humshakals’
Saif Phtot RNA Research & Archives Dilip Kumar and wife Saira Banu with stars L-R: Dharmendra, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
D
ilip Kumar’s life, times and career spanning 60 films is the subject a new book named The Substance and the Shadow which was launched by superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Dharmendra at a glittering, star-studded event in Mumbai last evening. The book, an account of the 91year-old life in first person, has been written with author Uday Tara Nayar. (Also read:Dilip Kumar’s ‘Chhoti Bahen,’ Favourite Song and the Actor he Thinks of as a Son) Vyjayanthimala, Dilip saab’s costar from movies like Naya Daur and Devdas, lit the inaugural lamp with actresses Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra. Filmmaker Karan Johar played Master of Ceremonies. The VIP guests at the event included the Ambanis and a host of veterans actors Jeetendra, Danny Denzongpa, Prem Chopra and Sanjay Khan, ac-
tresses Zeenat Aman and Farida Jalal and writer Javed Akhtar. Riteish Deshmukh, Sharman Joshi and singer Shaan were among the younger generation of Bollywood stars present. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is looked upon as a son by Dilip saab and his wife Saira Banu, was conspicuous by his absence. Also missing was songstress Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar’s ‘Chhoti Bahen,’ who was expected to sing the actor’s favourite song, Allah Tero Naam. (Also read:Dilip Kumar’s ‘Chhoti Bahen,’ Favourite Song and the Actor he Thinks of as a Son) Aamir Khan, who was accompanied by wife Kiran Rao and mother Zeenat Hussain, told the press at the event: “It is a very memorable day. I have always been a huge fan of Yusuf sahib. Probably, one of his biggest fans, he’s been such an inspiration figure to me, right through my career. I have learnt so much. I am looking forward
to reading his book. We’ll get to know about his life, his work, his experiences. Something again, which will be a big opportunity for me to learn.” Madhuri Dixit said she was looking for ward to reading the book while Priyanka Chopra, lovely in black and gold Sabyasachi, said: “Dilip saab is one personality without whose name the film industry is incomplete. I feel myself extremely lucky that I have been invited for this event. I have seen all his films and I really admire him.” Dilip saab’s wife, former actress Saira Banu, told the press: “I am feeling on top of the world today. This is a dream come true for me. Please pray that the dedication with which we have written the book, it is received by the readers in the same way.” The book is expected to reveal details of Dilip Kumar’s romance and bitter break-up with late actress Madhubala as well as how he met and married Saira Banu.
Accused of assault and rape, Bollywood actor Inder Kumar granted bail
A
fter being accused and arrested for raping and assaulting a 23-year-old model, Bollywood actor Inder Kumar Saraf was granted bail by Mumbai sessions court, He has been granted bail by the sessions court on Monday on a bond of Rs 30,000.
Bollywood movies. The model, who is rumoured to be Inder Kumar’s girlfriend, allegedly told the cops that the actor had assaulted and hit her with a beer bottle and also burnt her with his cigarettes in his flat in suburban Andheri since last night. The actor was arrested on April 25 and kept in judicial custody under sections 376 (rape), 324 (causing grievous hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
The 23-year-old model filed an FIR complaint in the Versova Police Station, accusing the actor of raping her with false hopes of giving her roles in
Inder Kumar Saraf seen escorted by police.
The medical report of the victim confirmed rape and stated that she was brutalised. The report shows that the victim had cigarette burn marks on her neck and shoulder and marks of her being stabbed with a sharp object. The cops also confirmed the cut marks and burns wounds on the victim’s body indicating that she was tortured by the actor.
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According to the police, during Inder’s interrogation, the actor claimed he had consensual sex with the model and that he also has a troubled relationship with his wife due to which the couple were living separately in the same building. The po-
Actor Saif Ali Khan has imitated his father-in-law and yesteryear actor Randhir Kapoor in his upcoming film ‘Humshakals’. Fellow actors in the film, Ritiesh Deshmukh and Ram Kapoor have aped megastar Amitabh Bachchan, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha and others in their respective roles in the film, said a press release issued by makers here.
For a scene in ‘Humshakals’ (lookalikes), Saif will be seen bringing to life on screen the quirky hand gestures and head movements in Randhir Kaproor’s style, it said. Sajid Khan’s directorial venture ‘Humshakals’ also stars Bipasha Basu, Tamannaah and Eesha Gupta in the lead. It is set to release on June 20. (PTI).
Bollywood awards offer economic boost to Tampa MIAMI - Organizers of Bollywood’s annual awards said Tuesday that the first US edition pumped more than $26 million into Tampa, Florida, as visitors flocked to the song-and-dance extravaganza. The International Indian Film Academy, releasing figures for the April 26 event, said that 23,594 people watched the main event at Tampa’s American football stadium and that two-thirds of them came from outside Florida.
Bay area earned more than 62 percent additional revenue compared with the same day the previous year. The organizers said that 90 percent of visitors were of South Asian descent and a majority were women. Bollywood holds its annual awards overseas each year in hopes of demonstrating the international appeal of the prolific Hindi-language film industry.
The study estimated that direct and indirect spending, including tourists’ shopping and dining, amounted to $26.4 million. Hotels in the Tampa
The direct impact in Tampa was more lucrative than recent editions of the Bollywood awards other than the 2011 ceremony in Toronto which attracted 56,000 spectators.
lice added that the actor and his wife had heated arguments over several issues earlier following which she had been to police station also complaining against Saraf.
phone. She claimed that she had a fight with her husband over the issue and left their house with their child and went to her mother’s house in the same apartment.
However, at the time of his arrest, Inder Kumar said,”The girl is a struggler and not to be given any importance. I was on a hi and bye terms with her. In fact, she and my wife Pallavi had a big fight. I have sorted things out with my wife and she is with me. The girl has gone and filed a complaint, but what she is saying is untrue.” Meanwhile, the actor ’s wife, Pallavi, defended her husband claiming that the model had been relentlessly pursuing her husband and also been sending messages on his
“For two days she was in the apartment and was seen cheerfully going out of the apartment to buy alcohol and order food. If she was raped in captivity, could she have done all this?” Pallavi asked.
VOICE OF ASIA 14
Friday, June 13, 2014
Young Life Section 2
Page 14
Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
The One Thing Obama Didn’t Say About Student Loan Repayment
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Tel: 713-774-5140
Eight year old Yash bags ‘Lemonade Day Youth Entrepreneurial Excellence Award’
Yash Semlani, 8.
Y
ash Semlani, an eight-year old 2nd Grader and Cub Scout, has proven that you are never too young to make a difference. On June 3, 2014, Yash was awarded the Lemonade Day Youth
most funds and bringing the most benefit to the community. Semlani says he was successful because he set a reasonable, achievable goal with strategies for each step of the process. He focused on pre-selling
President Obama signed a presidential memorandum he says could help an additional 5 million student loan borrowers — but only if they hear about it. Photo credit:Jacquelyn Martin/AP by Anya Kamenetz (nrp Ed)
P
resident Obama made big news today for student loan borrowers. He said he’ll use his executive power to expand a program called Pay As You Earn, which limits borrowers’ monthly debt payments to 10 percent of their discretionary income. Under the program, loans don’t just get less expensive; they can actually disappear. The balance of a loan is forgiven after 20 years — 10 years if the borrower works in public service (for government or a nonprofit). Pay As You Earn has been around since 2012. It’s inspired by the higher ed finance systems in countries like Australia, where university students pay nothing upfront and a percentage of their income after graduation. With the announcement, Obama extends eligibility for the program to an older group of borrowers: those who borrowed before October 2007 and have not borrowed since October 2011. This is the kind of announcement that makes for feel-good headlines, but, once the news cycle has passed, how much will have really changed? The fact is, there’s been a serious flaw with the program up to this point: few people have actually signed up for it. Thirty-seven million Americans are currently shouldering some kind of student loan debt. It’s difficult to calculate exactly how many of them would be eligible for the Pay As You Earn expansion, but a White House fact sheet says “most” of today’s borrowers would qualify. If you look at public service loan forgiveness alone, about a quarter of the workforce qualifies. As we said, Pay As You Earn isn’t exactly new, and last year, enrollment did grow almost 40 percent. But the total number of borrowers now signed up is still just 1.6 million. Remember — 37 million Americans are carrying some kind of student debt. That means quite likely the vast majority of those who could get help paying off their loans just aren’t asking for it. Why Not? It seems people don’t enroll in Pay As You Earn for two reasons. I hear from struggling borrowers all the time who are either a) unaware of the program or b) have had serious trouble signing up for it. When it comes to awareness, the government simply hasn’t promoted the program the way it did, say, the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. And, anecdotally, borrowers who do hear about the program and try to sign up often run into obstacles and obfuscation from the companies that service their loans. These loan servicers, led by Sallie Mae, are private-sector middlemen in the student loan business. They collect the borrowers’ payments and fees. On the back end, they also repackage and securitize the loans. Many servicers used to originate federally subsidized student loans themselves, before President Obama cut them out of that side of the business in 2009. But these lenders turned federal contractors still have a lot of control over borrowers. And it’s not in their short-term business interests to lower monthly payments. Even if borrowers
fall behind on those payments — or go into default — servicers still get paid handsomely. An investigation by the Huffington Post last year found that Sallie Mae had a surprisingly low number of borrowers enrolled in income-based repayment. The loan giant handles 40 percent of all federal student loans (by loan volume) but represented just 18 percent of borrowers enrolled in Pay As You Earn. The Obama administration acknowledges the problems in the fine print of its announcement today. One response: The government says it will partner with Intuit and H&R Block, telling borrowers about Pay As You Earn when they’re doing their taxes. The Department of Education also
plans to “renegotiate its contracts with federal loan servicers to strengthen financial incentives to help borrowers repay their loans on time, lower payments for servicers when loans enter delinquency or default, and increase the value of borrowers’ customer satisfaction when allocating new loan volume.” Translation: The feds will penalize servicers who delay or deny help or otherwise incur complaints from borrowers, by steering new business away from them. The expansion of Pay As You Earn won’t achieve its stated goal unless this part of the work is taken seriously. Because, up to this point, borrowers haven’t just had to be in debt to enroll ... they had to be savvy, resourceful and downright persistent.
Yash receives his trophy for raising a record $5000 at his Lemonade Stand. Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for raising a record amount of over $5,000 at his “Make A Difference” Lemonade Stand which he set up as part of the Lemonade Day Program. He received a standing ovation from a large audience of prominent professionals and business owners from the Houston areas. Lemonade Day Houston is a free, community-wide educational program designed to teach youth how to start, own and operate their own business—a lemonade stand. Yash’s dad Chanakya Semlani (CK), a serial entrepreneur himself, played an important role in being the sounding board for the many ideas that Yash had on how to set up and grow his business. What was his secret recipe to a successful lemonade stand? Well, after months of planning and meeting with local leaders, he knew he would have to: spend some money, save some of the profits, and share the rest with the community. He quickly learned that a leader is one who couples compassion with passion. His mother, Gauri Semlani, asked him why he wanted to do this. He replied: “I want to help the kids at Texas Children’s Hospital and be an inspiration for other kids.” To this end, Yash began brainstorming ideas to raising the
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with his “Make a Difference” vouchers. The vouchers were not labeled with prices but instead with what his cause was and what the customers would be getting like lemonade, cookies and an entry to two raffles. Once profits rose, Yash decided to make two-pack vouchers that doubled profits in half the time. Neighbors, friends, and other parents saw posts on social media and began sending donations online. This year Yash’s stand had tremendous success and he sold over 30 gallons of lemonade, served over three-dozen cookies, 300 pre-packed lunches, and 15 raffle prizes, all of which were also donated by local business. Businesses like McDonalds, Papa Johns, Starbucks, NY Pizzeria, RedDot Catering and Cici’s opened their hearts and supported Yash’s lemonade stand. He credits a lot of his success to his five-year-old brother, Jay, his friend, Ananya, his parents and community members. Semlani says, “every time someone put a hurdle in my path and thought that I would stop or think smaller that I instead thought of a way around it.” Although he is young, he knows what he achieved is a result of the support of his community. He is extremely grateful and humbled by his honor. Towards the end of his speech, he expressed his appreciation by thanking those who opened their hearts, supported his business, and allied with his cause. Yash is on a fast track to becoming a social entrepreneur. He is already an inspiration to students around the Houston area. Equally important, he knows you are never too young to do good for others, and he wishes to spread this message next year too. He believes if people work together, they can achieve great things. This is just the beginning of his successful pathway in entrepreneurship. Semlani’s new and refined goal is that he can make a difference, “one cup at a time.”
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HEALTHY LIVING
VOICE OF ASIA 15
Friday, June 13, 2014
HEALTH Section 2
Page 15
Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
Wriggling treatment: Indians swallow live fish for asthma
H
YDERABAD, June 10, 2014 (AFP) - With pinched noses and watery eyes, thousands of Indians have lined up to swallow live fish in a traditional treatment for asthma administered annually in the country’s south.
But the family has declined to reveal the secret formula which they say they got from a Hindu saint in 1845. Parents are often forced to pry open the mouths of reluctant children who cry at the site of squirming fish, while others pinch their noses, tip their heads back and close their eyes. Thousands of people travel from across India for the free medicine during a two-day period, the specific dates
• $1,920 for physical therapy (PT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) services combined • $1,920 for occupational therapy (OT) services
A member of the Goud family, Harinath Goud administers “fish medicine” to an asthma patient in Hyderabad, India, Friday, June 8, 2012. Started by the Bathini Goud family, the therapy is a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into a patient’s throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) of which are determined by the onset of the monsoon every June. Rights groups and doctors have complained that the medicine is “unscientific”, a violation of human rights and unhygienic, claims rejected by the family.
The Indian government arranges special trains for the “fish medicine” festival every year and extra police are on duty to control crowds. After digesting the treatment, patients are told to go on a strict diet for 45 days.
Does Your Tongue Have A Sixth Sense For Carbs? New research finds that our tongues can specifically taste carbohydrates, which may explain why diet food never tastes as good by Sophie Tighe (Yahoolife) Well, it would explain why they’re so damn tasty. As well as being able to differentiate between salt, sweet, sour, savoury and bitter tastes, new research has found that the human tongue may have a sixth sense for carbs.
M
How often is it covered?
The therapy cap limits for 2014 are:
The wriggling five-centimetre (twoinch) fish are slipped into the throats of patients in a bizarre treatment that leaves them gagging.
In a clinical test, participants rinsed their mouths with two artificially sweetened fluids but only one contained carbohydrates.Even though both liquids tasted identical, the participants’ brains were able to tell the difference between the two. The test found that there was a 30 per cent increase in brain activity after
the carb fluid was used, specifically in the parts of the brain that control movement and vision. The findings may explain why diet foods and artificial sweeteners leave us feeling duped – our brains know when they’re being denied carbs! Continued on Page 16
Tel: 713-774-5140
Medicare Limits on Therapy Services edicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for medically necessary outpatient physical and occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. There are limits on these services when you get them from most outpatient providers. These limits are called “therapy caps” or “therapy cap limits.”
Asthma sufferers gather every June in the southern city of Hyderabad to gulp down the fish stuffed with a yellow herbal paste, in hopes it will help them breathe more easily.
The Bathini Goud family, which administers the treatment, says the fish clear the throat on their way down and permanently cure asthma and other respiratory problems.
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
You may qualify to get an exception to the therapy cap limits so that Medicare will continue to pay its share for your therapy services after you reach the therapy cap limits. Your therapist must: • Document your need for medically reasonable and necessary services in your medical record • Indicate on your Medicare claim for services above the therapy cap that your outpatient therapy services are medically reasonable and necessary A Medicare contractor will review your medical records to check for medical necessity if you get outpatient therapy services in 2014 higher than these amounts: • $3,700 for PT and SLP combined • $3,700 for OT In general, if your therapist provides documentation that your services were medically reasonable and necessary, you won’t have to pay for costs above the $1,920 therapy cap limits. Your therapist must give you a written notice, called an “Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage” (ABN), before providing services that aren’t medically reasonable and necessary. Medicare doesn’t pay for therapy services that aren’t medically reasonable and necessary. The ABN lets you choose whether or not you want the therapy services. If you choose to get the services, you agree to pay for them if Medicare
doesn’t pay. If you get therapy services that aren’t medically reasonable and necessary and Sudhir Mathuria Medicare Contact: Sudhir Mathuria doesn’t pay Licensed Professional for them, Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway you won’t Houston TX 77074 have to 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com pay for the services unless an ABN was given to you beforehand. Starting January 1, 2014, the outpatient therapy cap limits apply to therapy services you get in a critical access hospital (CAH). Your therapist will need to determine if you qualify for an exception to the therapy cap limits for services you get in a CAH. Who’s eligible? All people with Medicare are covered if Medicare finds that the services are medically reasonable and necessary. Medicare will pay its share for therapy services until the total amounts paid by both you and Medicare reaches either one of the therapy cap limits. Amounts paid by you may include costs like the deductible and coinsurance. Your costs in Original Medicare You pay 20% of the Medicareapproved amount, and the Part B deductible applies. Note: To find out how much your specific test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or other health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like other insurance you may have, how much your doctor charges, whether your doctor accepts assignment, the type of facility, and the location where you get your test, item, or service. To choose suitable health plan call 713-771-2900.
VOICE OF ASIA 16
HEALTH, TECH & SCIENCE
Scientists create ‘miniretina’ in lab dish
P
ARIS, June 8, 2014 (AFP) - Scientists have created a molecule that glows red or blue depending on drug levels in blood -- the basis for a prospective home test to prevent patients accidentally overdosing, they reported Sunday.
The study is an important technical feat in using reprogrammed cells, whose discovery in 2006 has unleashed huge interest, they said.
The work is the latest advance towards the goal of creating transplant cells that reverse damage to the retina, the light-capturing surface on the back of the eyeball.
cally controversial. That changed with the discovery in Japan of so-called human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), which are adult cells that have been reprogrammed to return to a youthful, pre-differentiated state.
Stem cells are infant cells that develop, or differentiate, into the various tissues of the body. Until 2006, the big focus was on stem cells culled from early-stage embryos, which are highly versatile but also ethi-
Experiments in a lab dish,
Morework is needed, though, to understand how these cells transmit signals to the brain.
Does Your Tongue... “Carbohydrates are extremely powerful stimuli that have profound and immediate effects on the brain and the systems it controls,” explained Dr. Nicholas Gant, whose team carried out the research at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research. There was also increased activity in the regions associated with sensation and muscle performance, which may explain why athletes opt to load up on carbs while training.
After contact with a drop of blood, the molecule’s colour is observed with the aid of an ordinary digital camera, its Swiss and American developers wrote in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
Image by: Wikimedia Commons
The latest research marshalls the iPS into the right architecture for the retina, ordering the complex layers of specific photoreceptor cells which absorb and process light.
Continued from Page 15
Color-changing molecule can monitor drug dosages
P
ARIS, June 10, 2014 (AFP) - In another step towards reversing degenerative vision loss, scientists said Tuesday they had coaxed stem cells into growing into a tiny, light-sensing retina in a lab dish.
“We have basically created a miniature human retina in a dish that not only has the architectural organisation of the retina but also has the ability to sense light,” said Valeria Canto-Soler of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Sports drinks like Lucozade are full of sugary carbs that give you loads of energy and it turns out our tongues have a taste for them.
however remarkable, still need to be validated in tests on humans before they can be incorporated into medical practice. “Is our lab retina capable of producing a visual signal that the brain can interpret into an image? Probably not, but this is a good start,” Canto-Solder said in a press release. Japan last year gave the green light for the world’s first trial on humans of iPS cells for agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), which causes blindness in older people. Six patients with AMD will be recruited in a four-year trial.
“The process does not require any laboratory instruments and is so simple that the patients can do it themselves,” Rudolf Griss from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne says in a video explaining the invention, which is being refined for commercial use. People who use medicine for conditions like cancer, heart disease and epilepsy or immunosuppressants to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, risk side-effects or even poisoning from overdosage, or the drugs not working if the dose is too small. But tests to monitor dosage are expensive, time-consuming and have to be done by trained
READ These Articles & More on Health, Technology and Science Online.
“It’s becoming evident that the brain knows far more about the foods we ingest that just our perception of taste,” said Gant. Good news for carb fans out there, despite crash diets telling us they’re “the enemy” it would seem that our bodies are hardwired to appreciate them (in moderation).
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LUCID reaction without drug (red) and with drug (blue) experts at a laboratory. A cheap, easy method has long been sought to monitor drug dosage at the patient’s home or bedside, especially in remote areas with poor medical infrastructure.
- Diabetes-like test -
The new molecule “can measure the exact concentration of drug in a patient’s blood stream, giving an instant result,” said Griss.
“All you need to do is take a drop of the sample, you put it onto a piece of paper, you put the paper into a dark box and you take a picture with a normal digital camera,” said Griss.
The sensor molecule has four components -- a receptor protein that binds to a molecule on a specific drug; a small molecule that is similar to that on the target drug; a light-producing enzyme called luciferase; and a fluorophore molecule that can change the colour of the light emitted by the luciferase.
The picture is then analysed with simple colour-measuring software to determine the concentration of drug in the blood.
When there is no drug around, the receptor and the drug-like molecule within the system bind together. In so doing, they also pull the luciferase and the fluorophore closer together, and the whole produces a red light.
The prototype was successfully tested on three immunosuppressants, one anti-epileptic, an anti-arrhythmic and a cancer drug -- and will now form the basis of a start-up company. “We are currently in the process of transforming this into a system where the patient just puts a pinprick of blood onto a paper test strip, slides it into a handheld reader and gets an instant result similar to the way that diabetics measure their blood sugar levels,” said Griss.
When there is drug in the blood, however, the receptor prefers to bind to the real thing
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and pushes the synthetic, druglike molecule away. This also separates the fluorophore from the luciferase, and the unit burns blue.
Take that Atkins!
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe for the Heart? Dr. Kesavan Shan Until 2002, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was a popular treatment for post-menopausal women— prescribed to millions worldwide. Practitioners believed the loss of estrogen and progestin after menopause was a chief reason for an increased risk of heart disease seen in postmenopausal women. This idea helped foster the incorrect belief that HRT reduced heart disease and stroke.
However, more recent studies have now confirmed that HRT has no benefit in reducing heart disease. Even more alarming, HRT increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly strokes, in many groups of post-menopausal women.
• The risks of HRT include stroke, breast cancer, blood clots and heart disease, and are much greater in women over 60 years of age and in those with diabetes, heart disease or previous stroke.
Despite these findings, shortterm HRT is still considered appropriate for many women entering menopause, since health risks vary greatly among women. Although information continues to emerge, our current knowledge can be summarized as follows:
Therefore, carefully weighing the “benefit-to-risk” of HRT on an individualized basis is essential in determining whether short-term HRT is appropriate. Additionally, shared decision making between patient and physician is highly recommended.
• The benefits of HRT include improved quality of life by reducing menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats, hot flashes and emotional changes.
Dr. Kesavan Shan is a cardiologist with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston. To schedule an appointment, call 281.275.0330.
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BUSINESS
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Section 2 Page 17
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US business chiefs call for immigration reform by Veronica SMITH
W
ASHINGTON, June 11, 2014 (AFP) - Heads of major US companies on Wednesday urged immigration reform as crucial to boosting US economic growth, amid speculation the issue was dead after a shock Republican election defeat. The Business Roundtable, an influential group representing top chief executives, said that fixing America’s “broken immigration system” would unleash a powerful force that drives growth and bolsters the business sector. The group issued a report laying out the economic case for immigration reform, which coincidentally landed as Washington political circles reeled from Tuesday’s unexpected defeat of Republican Party chieftain Eric Cantor in a Virginia primary election. Cantor, the US House of Representatives majority leader, was trounced by a university professor backed by the radical conservative Tea Party, David Brat, who campaigned against Cantor’s support of legislation that would allow the children of illegal immigrants to remain in the country and become US citizens. The defeat of Cantor, one of the most powerful politicians in Washington, raised warning flags to any Republican considering support for a path
to citizenship to the country’s 12 million illegal immigrants, analysts said. The Business Roundtable, in its new report, called for “sensible” reform, saying there were compelling reasons to fix a system that includes an ongoing flood of illegal immigrants across the US-Mexico border. “The numbers and the people tell the story: Immigration is an all-around success for America’s economy, and fixing the system would produce a win-win deal to the benefit of both immigrants and native-born Americans,” said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, and chair of the BRT’s immigration committee. The report cited data from the Bipartisan Policy Center estimating that reform would increase gross domestic product, the broad measure of the economy’s goods and services, by 4.8 percent over 20 years and decrease federal deficits by $1.2 trillion. Immigration reform would expand the US labor force, thus directly boosting overall economic output, and increase tax revenues, helping brighten the country’s long-term fiscal outlook. The report noted several studies had concluded that new immigrants would generally participate in the labor force at a higher rate than the current US population, another factor
promoting faster growth. - Immigrants critical for companies On the business case for reform, data showed that immigrants or their children had founded 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, and immigrants are nearly 50 percent more likely to start a business, the report said. “Immigrants have been, and will continue to be, critical to the success of both BRT companies and the overall US economy. Indeed, most BRT companies depend on USbased foreign-born workers to supplement their domestic workforce.” The report also featured the success stories of some immigrant executives, including Carlos Rodriguez, head of payrolls firm ADP, who fled Castro’s Cuba as a boy with his family. Former US Accenture CEO Jorge Benitez also arrived in the US as a Cuban political refugee, while Indian national Krish Prabhu, now chief technology officer at AT&T, came to the US for study and has lived in the country for nearly 40 years as a permanent resident. “By putting an often-neglected human face on the immigration issue, we’re reminded of the significant contribution immigrants make to our economy, businesses and society,” Brown said.
U.S. Budget Deficit Narrows as Economy, Jobs Boost Revenue
Xoom Announces Instant Deposit Service to Punjab National Bank in India
by Ian Katz Jun 11, 2014.
Xoom’s revolutionary technology expands its instant deposit network to one of the largest banks in India
(Bloomberg),
W
ASHINGTON The U.S. posted a $130 billion budget deficit in May and the smallest shortfall for the first eight months of a fiscal year since 2008, as a stronger economy and rising employment bolster revenue. The deficit last month was about $9 billion less than the $139 billion shortfall in May 2013, the Treasury Department said today in Washington. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of 20 economists called for a $130.5 billion gap. “Our fiscal position is rapidly normalizing as the economy recovers,” said Paul Edelstein, director of U.S. financial economics at IHS Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Massachusetts. For the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, the government is running a budget deficit 30 percent smaller than it was a year earlier. Revenues for that period are 7 percent higher than a year earlier and outlays are 2 percent lower. In the fiscal year through May, the government posted a $436.4 billion deficit compared with a $626.3 billion shortfall in the same period a year earlier, the figures showed.
Today’s Treasury report showed revenue increased to $200 billion last month from $197 billion in May 2013. Spending totaled $330 billion, a 2 percent decline from the same month a year earlier, the figures showed. Gradually Recovering “U.S. budget dynamics have been on a much better trajectory as of late, with both cuts to spending and higher revenues helping to push fiscal year 2014 deficit projections substantially lower,” said Gennadiy Goldberg, U.S. strategist at TD Securities USA LLC in New York. “The revenue component is indicative of a gradually recovering economy.” The month of May has registered deficits in 59 of the past 60 years because no significant tax payments are due, according to the Treasury. Treasuries today erased gains after the U.S. sale of $21 billion in 10-year notes. The notes drew a yield of 2.648 percent, compared with a forecast of 2.633 percent in a Bloomberg News survey of seven of the Federal Reserve’s 22 primary dealers. The Congressional Budget Office in April projected that the federal deficit will decline to $492 billion this fiscal year, the smallest in six years, from $680 billion in 2013 and a re-
cord $1.4 trillion when President Barack Obama took office in January 2009. 2015 Forecast Next year, the shortfall will decline further, to $469 billion, the nonpartisan agency said. The 2014 deficit will be 2.8 percent of gross domestic product, according to CBO, compared with 4.1 percent of GDP in 2013. The U.S. labor market has improved this year. Payrolls pushed past their U.S. pre-recession peak for the first time in May, the fourth consecutive month employment increased by more than 200,000, the first time that’s happened since early 2000. Job openings in the U.S. climbed to an almost sevenyear high in April as employers sought more workers to help manage stronger demand in the rebounding economy. The number of positions waiting to be filled in the U.S. rose by 289,000 to 4.46 million in April, the highest since September 2007, the Labor Department reported yesterday in Washington. During the first eight months of the fiscal year, individual tax receipts, the single largest revenue item, were up 3.3 percent from the same period in fiscal 2013. Corporate income-tax receipts increased 15.6 percent.
S
AN FRANCISCO, CA, May 27, 2014 -- Xoom Corporation (NASDAQ: XOOM), a leading digital money transfer provider, is offering instant deposits to Punjab National Bank accounts in India.
This breakthrough service allows Xoom customers to instantly deposit money directly into their recipients’ Punjab National Bank accounts in India in less than a minute. Instant deposit is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, except during a maintenance window from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. IST on Sundays. “Xoom is tirelessly working towards providing a fast service for our customers and we are thrilled to announce this expansion of our instant deposit bank network in India,” said Julian King, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for Xoom. “This is great news for people who send money to Punjab National Bank accounts, who otherwise typically have to wait five days or more to access their funds. Through our expanded instant service, NRIs can send money anytime, anywhere from their computer, mobile phone or tablet and their bank deposits reach their recipients’ Punjab
National Bank accounts in less than a minute.” “This revolutionary service marks another milestone in our deep and long standing partnership with Xoom and its subsidiary buyindiaonline,” said Mr. K. Thyagarajan, General Manager, International Banking, Punjab National Bank. He further added, “We are pleased to offer instant deposit to Punjab National Bank accounts for customers who send money from the U.S. to India and look forward to bringing a whole new world of convenience and flexibility to our account holders.” Xoom provides great locked-in exchange rates for money transfers to India, and there is no fee when customers send more than $1,000 and pay with their U.S.-based bank account. Plus, Xoom continues to provide fast bank deposits within four hours to all other banks in India, including to NRE and NRO accounts, when sent during bank processing hours in India.
Customers can also download the Xoom App for Android and iOS mobile devices for free. Visit https://www. xoom.com/india for more information. About Xoom Xoom is a leading digital money transfer provider that enables consumers to send money to 31 countries in a secure, fast and cost-effective way, using their mobile phone, tablet or computer. During the 12 months ended March 31, 2014, Xoom’s more than 1.1 million active customers sent more than $6.1 billion to family and friends. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and can be found online at www.xoom.com. About Punjab National Bank Punjab National Bank is a leading Public Sector Bank in India headquartered in New Delhi with over 6,200 branches and 7,000 ATMs spread across the country. It serves over 80 million customers. The Bank has developed an advanced computerized module for speedy payments of remittances received.
HOROSCOPE
VOICE OF ASIA 18
FRIDAY, June 13, 2014
Your Horoscope for the Week of June 09-15, 2014 Source: horoscope.com
Libra
Aries Your dreams may have something important to tell you as Neptune rewinds and a Full Moon in Sagittarius whips up emotions. Stay alert for reveries that could provide guidance. Be careful with spending on Thursday, and consider carrying some spare cash in case of a potential credit card mishap. Although your social life looks bright, positive, fun, and delightful over the days ahead, take it easy on Sunday. An intense influence suggests it isn’t a good time to start an argument.
Tension may develop this week, particularly if you find it hard to see eye to eye with someone. You may have good reason to be annoyed with this person, but this isn’t the time to ruffle feathers, particularly over the weekend. The Full Moon in your communication sector on Thursday could encourage you to say more than you intend. Considering the above, it’s better to be tactful than too blunt. Arrange to do something fun with friends that day, especially if your self-esteem is low.
Taurus
Scorpio
Venus in your sign tends toward passion, especially as it links with Pluto. If a relationship seems to have stalled recently, this blend of energies might wake it up and give it a new lease on life. However, when it comes to shopping, go easy on Thursday. A Full Moon in carefree Sagittarius might encourage you to splurge just for the fun of it. However, a partner may not be amused. Try to rein in your spending if you can.
Neptune rewinds in your creative and romance sector on Monday, which might help you come to grips with a budding liaison. If you’ve been getting mixed signals, it might be not only due to Mercury retrograde but also to someone being undecided about their feelings. This week you may gain extra clarity, giving you a chance to respond accordingly. A hidden conflict could come into the open over the weekend, when swords may be drawn. Consider a compromise!
Sagittarius
Gemini As Neptune enters its retrograde phase in your career sector, you could get an insight into a situation that’s been bothering you for some time. Clarity may dawn, helping you to make an informed decision. Relationships get a boost as the Full Moon in Sagittarius brings lively dynamism to your love life. Thursday can be a great day for a special date night, but try to avoid unnecessary drama if you can. If someone is tempted to overstep the mark on Sunday, be patient.
You may feel full of life and energy during the Full Moon in your sign on Thursday. Try to avoid bluntness and hurting someone’s feelings, as that could be one consequence of this Moon phase. On the other hand, it could coincide with a desire to have fun, go on an adventure, and live life to the max. Try not to mix money and friendship, especially over the weekend, as edgy aspects could turn a positive relationship into a minefield of awkwardness.
Capricorn
Cancer With the Sun in your spiritual sector, try to make time to relax and reflect every day. Adopting a regular meditative habit could give you a fresh perspective on problems and greater confidence in dealing with them. Meanwhile, a Full Moon on Thursday could encourage you to indulge your sweet tooth. If you’re feeling on edge, work out rather than eat, which could put on the pounds. A situation at home could come to a head on Sunday. Try to compromise and avoid arguments.
A focus on lifestyle options encourages you to think about your daily habits. This might be a good time to ditch those that aren’t working for you and focus on adopting new measures that can help you achieve the success and fitness you want and deserve. Thursday brings a Full Moon in your spiritual sector, so your dreams may be particularly powerful and vivid. Take note. Some could have guidance that might help you with an awkward problem.
Aquarius
Leo Romance may be your number one preoccupation this week, as Neptune rewinds in your sensitive Eighth House. Dreams of a loved one could wrap you in delicious fantasies in the days ahead. Also, a Full Moon in your love affair sector might encourage you to take the plunge. While you may have a wonderful time, consider the consequences to avoid regrets. The weekend brings plenty of social opportunities, but you could also attract some jealousy, which you might need to deflect with your charms.
Your energy seems pretty good, though you might have a tendency to overindulge. You may enjoy researching diet and exercise options, and reading the latest information on achieving optimum health. Meanwhile, a Full Moon on Thursday is perfect for celebrations, parties, and all kinds of get-togethers. Although things could get very boisterous, it will likely be a lot of fun. Avoid holding your feelings back over the weekend. Talking over a problem could help you feel much better.
Pisces
Virgo Someone’s agenda may grow clearer, but think carefully before you decide what to do about it. Thursday’s Full Moon can be excellent for a party or other celebration at home. And the good news is that you can carry the fun over to Friday for more sizzling entertainment. You might encounter too much red tape at work on Thursday, leaving you to negotiate a compromise or find a loophole. Try not to mix money and love over the weekend - it likely won’t work!
QR
Home and family affairs, along with leisure, pleasure, and other delights, can give this week a positive boost. Spending time with loved ones you enjoy hanging out with may be all you need to feel content. However, a Full Moon in your career sector could bring an opportunity to your attention. If so, take advantage of it. It may not last long. Thursday could spotlight difficulties in communication, but this can soon be resolved with skilful negotiation. Later, simply ignore a jealous friend.
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Celebrate July 4th We are Indian-Americans Come, Join and Celebrate The 4th of July! Voice of Asia invites all fellow citizens to join and honor this great nation that we live in
The United States of America! For the first time, Voice of Asia will be releasing a Special supplement commemorating the 4th of July and is giving you an unique opportunity to convey your message of solidarity. Let us take this opportunity to salute the founding fathers of this country, who decided to frame the constitution of the people, by the people and for the people, which includes you and me. Let us reach out beyond our language, religion, color, race, gender and regional differences. This is our country. Let us all stand united and use our education, influence and resources, our ability and skills, to unify our next generation to achieve greater things. Many Indian Americans have already made inroads and are serving this great nation in many different ways: in the political arena, as CEO’s, CFO’s and community leaders. You are the parents of a future Congressman or woman, Senators, Governors, law enforcement officers and President. Our children and grandchildren are going to be future Generals and Commanders in the armed forces, future scientists, Chancellors of Universities, and Educators. And we owe it all to this nation. It is time to give back. Let us join our neighbors and community and celebrate American Festivals, events and holidays. July 4th like all American festivals and holidays has more relevance and significance in the special freedom that we enjoy. Let us all be a part of it.
Watch for more announcements Please send your articles, advertisement and messages by June 25, 2014. Keep your e-mail subject Line as: July 4th Message Sign up for our Weekly E-blast to keep udated on more Community News and Participate in the July 4th event!
For more information Call: 713-774-5140 • Email: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com