VOICE OF ASIA 1
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VOICE OF ASIA
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
th
ANNIVERSARY 1987-2012
The Leading Community Weekly from Texas since 1987
Vol. 26 No. 24 Friday, June 14, 2013 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com
HH Chinna Jeeyar Swa- Dr Devinder Bhatia appointed to miji initiates VT SEVA Texas Medical Board and Prajna in Houston
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n Friday, June 7 at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, many gathered to celebrate two initiatives spearheaded by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji – VT SEVA and Prajna. The night began with an introduction to Prajna, a module-based program designed by Swamiji for the youth with the aim to inculcate the values extolled in the Vedic culture. The audience was amazed by the dedication and discipline of the Prajna students after listening to one of the
OUSTON: A prominent Indian American heart surgeon has been appointed to the leading medical regulatory body in the US state of Texas by Governor Rick Perry.
Houston-based Bhatia specialises in thoracic surgery, peripheral vascular disease, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery and cardiovascular disease in his practice.
Dr Devinder Bhatia has been appointed to the Texas Medical Board for a sixyear term along with seven others.
Bhatia graduated from the University of Arkansas and has a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and completed his cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery fellowships at Carolinas Medical Centre.
The Texas Medical Board is the state agency mandated to regulate the practice of medicine in Texas and consists of 12 physician members and seven public members appointed for a sixyear term by the Governor. HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
Bhatia’s father immigrated to the US from India in 1962. The IACCGH and Indian American community congratulates Dr. Devinder Bhatia on his appointment to the Texas Medical Board.
Dr Devinder Bhatia
HCC Trustee Neeta Sane receives Greater Houston Service Award
H
OUSTON – To salute the volunteer service of outstanding individuals, Volunteer Houston proudly presented its 2013 Greater Houston Service Awards to individuals from all walks of life who are transforming Houston through their acts of service. The event was held at the Bayou City Events Center Wednesday, June 12 and highlighted the impact of unique volunteers who are making meaningful changes across Houston-area communities.
Prajna students with Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and Prajna coordinators. Also seen is Dr. Renu Tamirisa, Prajna Coordinator students describe what he has learned in Prajna. This was followed by an astonishing performance by an 8 year old Prajna student in the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam Avadhanam, in which an individual is able to recite any slokam upon command and identify the number of a slokam upon recitation. Following this was a presentation displaying the activities of VT SEVA or Volunteering Together for Service,
a 501(c)(3) secular non-profit organization that seeks to provide access to quality education and health care on many fronts. The viewers were moved by the four main activities of VT SEVA that include providing education to underprivileged children by building schools in remote and tribal areas in India, providing education to visually-impaired children/youth (Nethra Vidyalaya Junior College,
AP, India), providing free healthcare services and early cancer detection screenings, and promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly activities along with disaster relief to those affected by natural calamities (Gujarat earthquake relief, Haiti and Japan earthquake relief funds, Andhra flood relief, Tsunami relief). Continued on Page 6
Houston Community College Trustee Neeta Sane is the first HCC trustee to receive a Greater Houston Service Award for her service to HCC and the Greater Houston Area. “Volunteer service for the betterment of the society has been my passion and making a difference in the lives of others has always been and will continue to be my focus,” said Sane. To honor the award recipients and celebrate their volunteerism, several executives from corporations and non-
Neeta Sane profits joined event presenters Melanie Lawson, KTRK Channel 13; Greg Hurst, KHOU Channel 11; Bill Balleza, KPRC Channel 2; and METRO’s Jerome Gray. Houston Community College commends the vision of Volunteer Houston in encouraging and supporting the community service that dramatically affects the lives and livelihoods of citizens of the Greater Houston Area.
Southwest OB / GYN is pleased to announce an addition to our group of caring professionals.
DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR
• Dr. Penkar received her Medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical school in Dallas, TX. • Dr. Penkar completed her residency training at Parkland Hospital/UT Southwestern in Dallas. • She has received the Three Star award and the Excellence in Colposcopy award during her chief year of residency. Dr. Penkar later served one year as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at UT South western.
Dr. Penkar will be joining Southwest OB / Gyn on August 19, 2013, where she will be practicing both Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is currently accepting appointments. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at 713-774-5131 or visit our website at www.swobgyn.com
DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR
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VOICE OF ASIA 3
COMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
Second Front Page
Friday, June 14, 2013
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
HH Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji to conduct meditation workshop in Houston His Holiness Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji, “The Father of Indian Healing and “The Master of Eastern Vedic Sciences” will be conducting a 7-day workshop at Unity Church, 2929 Unity Drive Houston, Texas-77057, beginning June, 26th 2013 to July 3rd 2013.
Tel: 713-774-5140
Sonal Bhuchar Wins Award for Activism
HH Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji
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he Shivir, is a meditation program designed to initiate participants into meditation and helping empower one of one’s own inner infinite potential powers. It includes various processes of initiation and advanced meditation methods practiced by ancient masters of the Himalayas. Durga Saptashati: June 26 to June 27, 2013 (Free admission) The Durga Saptshati is the powerful scripture on the Shakti Sadhna comprising of 700 shlokas organized into thirteen chapters, which is narrated and widely read in the mythological story form but in reality contains the mystical powers of a human. Babaji will reveal these hidden messages and activate one’s powers by invoking the divine mother who in the scripture was invoked wholeheartedly by the Demigods after being distressed by the acts of the demons. The loving mother, to protect her creatures, incarnates in various forms and slays the demons after long lasting wars. After intensely meditating on the DurgaSaptshati, Babaji has decoded the sacred Beej Mantras encrypted in each Shloka, which possess enormous power capable of relieving one of his/her karmas and the vices. Babaji, whose mission is to eradicate sufferings from the world and fill each home with peace, happiness and unconditional love, for the first time in the history of humanity revealed this guarded sacred Sadhna to the common man. In this Shivir, Babaji will initiate people into this sacred sadhna and facilitate participants to release their karmas, which are the root cause of the problems. The sacred sadhnas are also done in Babajis divine presence thus raising the vibrations to higher dimensions of life. The divine energies arising out of the recitation of these sacred beej mantras increases the vibrational frequency of each and every cell and the DNA of the body that results scientifically in the miraculous healing of the body, mind and soul. Regular
Sonal Bhuchar
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His Holiness Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji during one of the Shiv Yog sessions practice of this Shakti sadhna with pure intention and utmost devotion empowers the seeker to create a healthy body, a peaceful mind, loving relations, prosperous life and a rapid spiritual growth. Prati Prasav Sadhna: June 27 to July 3rd 2013 (By registration only). Our present is nothing but the outcome of what our own deeds of the past. The circumstances, obstacles and the problems in life erupt from the deep-rooted psychic impressions in the subconscious that were knowingly or unknowingly accumulated over many past lifetimes with every action, word and thought. These unresolved problems or issues are Sanchit karmas or psychic impressions. This deep-rooted karma creates recurring negative incidents in life until they are completely uprooted. In order to be released from the suffering, pain or disease one must release them completely. Prati Prasav Sadhna is the holy practice that helps one surface these deep-rooted karma and release them to higher frequency vibrations created with the help of a Guru who is himself a Master in this ancient practice of Indian Yogis. In this shivir, one is taught how to shed this heavy load and bring out the inner light in the form of health happiness and prosperity. It not only involves witnessing past life incidences, but also releasing these negative psychic impressions from one’s subtle
bodies. With the help of Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji’s grace we transcend back to those areas of our past lives and release and heal them. PratiPrasavSadhna is an excellent Sadhana to dissolve fears, phobias, sufferings, limitations and awakening of your consciousness towards infinite dimension. Shiv Yog Science Beyond Science: Last year in March 2013, Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji invited the doctors and medical professionals In the New Jersey workshop to carry out comprehensive pre and post Shivir diagnostic tests on randomly chosen participants at this shivir. Three sadhak volunteers were randomly selected with no pre-screening for any specific health condition or disease pre-disposition for the experiments. Interview with sample participants brought out a wide spectrum of health conditions ranging from normal, near-normal to highly-complex medical pre-condition. On the 6th day of the shivir healing was sent to these volunteers, one of whom had been suffering from brain tumor and other two sadhaks. The live healing session amazed the doctors and medical professionals to see that the brain tumor and gall stones that were first visible on the ultrasound were no more visible on ultrasound. It shrunk in size and then disappeared. Many scientists, researchers and doctors were very surprised when His
Holiness Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji mentioned that these healings were not miracles but ShivYog’s Science Beyond Science. As the deeper significance of this description was not so obvious, the descriptor Science Beyond Science. While Shiv Yog has gained popularity in all parts of India and abroad, because of its unique powerful message of self empowerment, it is largely seen as a program that empowered and encouraged seekers to tap into the healing powers and capabilities hidden within themselves. Babaji has been progressively and consistently revealing the mysteries of life beyond the common and limited understanding known to humans. In addition meditation workshops will be conducted at: Sunny Vale(California) - June 17th 2013 to June 23rd 2013 – Durga Saptshati & Siddha Healing New Jersey from July14th 2013 to July 20th 2013. – Durga Saptshati & Shree VidyaAdvaitSadhna. Watch Avdhoot Baba ShivanandJi’s lectures everyday on Bhakti Sutra and Bhakti Bhav on Zee TV. For more information, please visit the website www.shivyog.com or www.shivyogus.com In Houston the weekly meditations of Shiv Yog are conducted in Sugar Land. Call 1-609-474-4808.
he Texas Medical Association Political Action Committee (TEXPAC) has named Sonal Bhuchar of Sugar Land as the 2013 recipient of its June Bratcher Award. TEXPAC presented her with the award during the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) annual conference, held this year in San Antonio. TEXPAC presents the June Bratcher Award for Political Action every two years to a physician’s spouse who was an outstanding volunteer in a federal or state political campaign. This year, however, Mrs. Bhuchar herself was the political candidate. TEXPAC modeled the award in 1987 after a similar American Medical Association (AMA) Political Action Committee award, whose first recipient was June Bratcher of San Antonio. The honorees are members of the TMA Alliance, a volunteer organization of physicians and spouses. Mrs. Bhuchar has been active in the alliance for 22 years. Mrs. Bhuchar is a physical therapist, community volunteer, and health advocate. She is married to TMA member Subodh Kumar Bhuchar, MD, a Sugar Land pediatrician and family physician. Last year, Mrs. Bhuchar campaigned for state representative in House District 26. Though she did not win the election, her grace and perseverance throughout her campaign proved she is a champion for the family of medicine. “Sonal is known for working tirelessly and passionately for a number of groups, including the Fort Bend Independent School District and the TMA Alliance,” said Jerry Hunsaker, MD, chair of TEXPAC’s Board of Directors.
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VOICE OF ASIA 4
The People’s Lawyer
Chinmaya Prabha awaits an inspiring Jnana Yajna by Swami Tejomayananda ha, Houston.
www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center
Be careful whose car you tow Q. I was parked at a local parking lot. When I returned to my car it was towed. The store that I parked in front of told me I parked in one of its parking spots. It had my car towed and told me where to pick it up. This cost me hundreds of dollars. Is this legal? A. The owner of a parking lot has the right to tow cars that are wrongfully parked, but only if it complies with a very specific law. Unless you were given actual notice your car would be towed, to tow a car there must be signs at the entrance to the lot, mounted on a pole or wall, installed so that the bottom edge of the sign is no lower than five feet and no higher than eight feet above ground level. The sign must be at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall; contain the international symbol for towing vehicles and a statement describing who may park in the parking facility and prohibiting all others. The sign must also have the words “Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Towed at Owner’s or Operator’s Expense,” and a statement of the days and hours of towing enforcement. Finally, the sign must have a number, including the area code, of a telephone that is answered 24 hours a day to enable an owner or operator of a vehicle to locate the vehicle. If the store did not have proper signage, it can be liable for all the costs of towing and storage, as well as any damage to the car. If the owner of the lot acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly it can be liable for $1000 plus three times the amount of fees assessed in the vehicle’s removal, towing or storage. I suggest you go back to the lot and see if there are proper signs. If not, let the owner know you expect to be reimbursed what it cost you when your car was towed. Q. How many days do I have to change my mind after I buy a car? I signed a contract late at night and went in the next morning to cancel. The dealer told me I was out of luck and couldn’t change my mind. A. The dealer is correct. As far as the law is concerned, you generally cannot change your mind after you sign a contract. The main exceptions to this law are health spa contracts, door-to-door sales, timeshare contracts and certain contracts that put a lien on your homestead. Unless you were mislead or deceived into signing the agreement it is legally binding. I suggest you talk with the dealer, explain why you changed your mind, and see if it won’t agree to cancel the contract. Q. I received a loan from a friend. He recently passed and his wife is trying to collect the money as executor of his estate. There was never any written paperwork. Her lawyer has sent me a copy of the check that shows I deposited it. Can she make me pay this money back? A. If you borrowed the money, you have a legal obligation to repay it. If you do not, you can be sued. The fact that there is no written agreement or promissory note does not matter. The check indicates the amount of money you received and you seem to understand it was a loan and not a gift. Q. How long does a bankruptcy stay on my credit report? A. Most information becomes obsolete and is not reported after seven years. A bankruptcy remains for ten years. Q. How long do I have to live in Texas to get divorced here? How soon after the divorce can I remarry? A. You need to live in Texas for six months prior to filing for a divorce. As a general rule, you may remarry 30 days after the divorce. Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Visit my website, www.peopleslawyer.net
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
HH Swami Tejomayananda by Padmashree Rao
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hen deep questions such as, “What is the cause of this world? Where did we come from and where are we headed? By what is life defined? Who really oversees our experiences of pleasure and pain in our existence?” remain unanswered by superficial explanations, it is time to sit at the feet of a true Master and reflect with care. That timely opportunity will be presented to the seekers in Houston during a weeklong Jnana Yajna from July 6th to July 13, 2013, when His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, the spiritual leader of worldwide Chinmaya Mission, will discourse on “Svetasvatara Upanisad” at Chinmaya Prab-
Adored and addressed as Pujya Guruji by the global Chinmaya Mission (CM) family, Swami Tejomayananda carries forward the brilliant torch of Vedic wisdom lit by the Chinmaya Guru Parampara. With a head and heart that upholds the vision and mission of the renowned Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, Pujya Guruji leads over 300 CM centers worldwide. Praised as the “Hindu of the Year” (2005) and recognized for his spiritual leadership with a National Eminence Award in 2012, he inspires service-based projects in all walks of life, spiritual and secular. Pujya Guruji wears his title as a global head with admirable humility and grace. Accomplished as a sublime Vedantin among scholars, he is so approachable that young and old of any background can reach out to him. His commentaries on great texts like Yoga Vasistha, Adi Sankara’s Drg-Drsya Viveka and Ramana Maharsi’s Upadesa Saram make the highest Vedantic truths relevant to a seeker at every stage of life. The books he has authored such as Bhakti Sudha, Jnana Sarah, Manah Shodhanam, Dhyanasvarupam and Jivanasutrani offer insights into a realm of knowledge beautified with devotion.
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Pujya Guruji effortlessly elaborates on the most intricate Vedantic texts with a clarity that makes even a new seeker grasp the spirit of the scriptures. His discourses on Ramayana and Srimad Bhagavatam moved even his own Guru, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, and continue to transport devotees to epic heights of devotion. With his melodious bhajanas that move the soul, and ready wit that makes learning joyous and unforgettable, Pujya Guruji mesmerizes audiences around the world in year-round jnana yajnas. Chinmaya Prabha welcomes everyone to a profound week of introspection in the loving presence of Pujya Guruji and the accompanying acaryas of Chinmaya Mission. It will be a time to touch the horizons of knowledge with the power of scripture, soulful music and a sublime Master. Hari Om! For program details and more information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit www.chinmayahouston. org or Contact Jay Deshmukh 832-541-0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233.
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One of his books, ‘Hindu Culture: An Introduction’ introduces Indian culture to students in some American schools.
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VOICE OF ASIA 6
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
Indian Senior Citizens honor fathers on ‘Father’s Day’
H
OUSTON - On Saturday, June 8, members of the Indian Senior Citizens’ Association (ISCA) hosted a “Father’s Day’ event at the India House at West Bellfort, Houston. The event was on a modest scale and was attended by about 300 guests who were served lunch and entertained by the musical team Alpa Shah and Rajan Radhakrishnan of Madras Pavilion. A blend of 70s & 80s songs were presented by the duo.
Registration is going in full swing and members are asked to go on their website: www. iscahouston.org to register immediately.
by the president who seemed very positive with the response thus far. Madras Pavilion will be the caterers for the event he said giving an update.
Request for sponsorship for the Convention was also made
Fathers were given a thermos mug as a gift on the occasion.
Lalit Chinoy, president ISCA took the opportunity to remind the members and guest about the forth coming National Convention here in Houston. The ISCA 2013 Natinaol Convention is the first of its kind to be held on days September 14 and 15 at the Stafford Centre.
Lalit Chinoy,, ISCA president (2nd from lt) with singers Alpa Shah and Rajan and members of ISCA
A section of the audience
HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami ji initiates VT SEVA and Prajna......
Continued from Page 1 On June 7th and 8th a Bone Marrow Registry Program was conducted at Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple by IACAN in conjunction with VT SEVA. Swamiji honored some of our local community members and leaders for their dedication and service to the community. Amongst the honorees were Mr. and Mrs. Ramesh Shah of Ekal Vidyalaya, Mr. Krishakanth Vennamaneni—Secretary, VT SEVA USA, Mr. Padmakant Khambati of the Voice of Sa-
natana Dharma radio program, Sridhar Dadi of Radio Hungama, and VT SEVA volunteers Radhika Sanamvenkata and Aruna Gorantla for their success in obtaining a 2013 United Ecoskies grant for environmental awareness. A VT SEVA High School Youth Volunteer enumerated his wonderful experiences in working with VT SEVA. Afterwards, the Prajna graduation commenced as the students formed lines to pay their respects to Swamiji and receive
their certificates of achievement. Following the graduation was a musical performance of bhajans by the Prajna instrumental bhajan group, comprised of students who played various instruments including tabla, keyboard, guitar, and violin. The program concluded with Swamiji blessing the Prajna students and inspiring the students and the audience to continue to work towards the betterment of the community. (Report by Dr. Aparna and Dr. Ranga)
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Wonder kid Ritankar Das felicitated at Indian Embassy in US
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ASHINGTON: India-born wonder kid Ritankar Das, who this year became the youngest graduate topper of the prestigious University of California in more than a century, has been felicitated by the Indian Embassy here for his outstanding academic achievements. Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao felicitated 18 years old Das, who has taken just three years to complete his studies with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology and a minor in creative writing from the University of California, Berkeley. Further Kolkata-born Das is the first student from the College of Chemistry in 58 years, and the first ever from the Department of Bioengineering, to earn the honour, which includes a USD 2,500 scholarship. In his remarks, Das said he seeks inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. “Gandhi believed that everybody had a right to beautiful life and without his efforts I can say I would not have been here today,” Das told a select audience at an event held at the Indian Embassy yesterday. “Without people like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Lu-
US to track crimes against Sikhs, Hindus, Arabs
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ASHINGTON: US authorities have moved to start tracking hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu and Arab Americans after calls for more rigorous action following a massacre by a white supremacist at a Sikh temple. The Federal Bureau of Investigation already compiles statistics on violence against Muslims, Jews, atheists and several other religious affiliations but did not specifically list crimes against Sikh, Hindu or Arab Americans.
Das, who this year became the youngest graduate topper of the University of California in more than a century, has been felicitated by the Indian Embassy ther King, without their efforts, I would not have been here,” said Das, who is fluent in Bengali and Hindi. Das, who now heads to Oxford University to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering with a fully funded Whitaker Fellowship, has founded ‘See Your Future’, a student-run non-profit that presents scientific content to middle and high school students through in-class demonstrations, videos, interactive activities and games. “In this span of just 18 years, he has
been able to achieve so much. He would put all of us to shame being able to come out with such flying colours at the UCBerkley, and broken all records over a century,” Rao said. “He hs not only brought glory to this country, but also to his mother country,” she added. At Berkeley, Das helped manage a USD 1.7 billion budget as an Academic Senator, founded the Berkeley Chemical Review research journal, designed a chemistry DeCal course and was a graduate student instructor.
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
An FBI policy board, at a meeting in Virginia, voted to start listing all groups that appeared in two major recent studies of religion in the United States, agency spokesman Stephen Fischer said late Wednesday. The updated list will include Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, Mormons, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Protestant Christians and Sikhs and also start a category for anti-Arab crimes, he said. The FBI anticipates that it will start compiling the statistics in 2015, although the decision needs formal approval by FBI director Robert Mueller, Fischer said. Representative Joe Crowley, who led a push by lawmakers to urge action against hate
US to track crimes against Sikhs, Hindus, Arabs crimes against Sikhs and other groups, called on Mueller to carry out the changes “fully and urgently.” “While this is a monumental step forward, our work cannot end here,” said Crowley, a member of President Barack Obama’s Democratic Party from New York City. Rajdeep Singh, director of law and policy for the Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group, said that the FBI decision will “give our community the dignity of recognition.” “The new changes will strengthen diagnostic and deterrence efforts, increase awareness about Sikhs among law enforcement officials nationwide, and encourage Sikhs to begin reporting hate crimes to local, state and federal au-
thorities,” he said. Sikhs, whose faith requires men to wear turbans, have faced a wave of violence since the September 11, 2001 attacks by assailants who incorrectly associate the religion with radical Islam. In the worst attack, a white former US Army specialist barged into a Sikh gurudwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on August 5 last year, killing six people and wounding three. In 2011, the last year for which statistics are available, authorities reported to the FBI a total of 6,222 hate crimes in the United States. Nearly half were racial attacks, with around 20 percent motivated by religious hatred and another onefifth triggered by bias based on sexual orientation.
Indian-American venture capitalist Vinod Khosla hosts dinner for Obama breach of civil liberties by the Obama administration in push-
It’s not every day that the US President drops by for dinner at the home of an ordinary resident but Vinod Khosla is no regular Joe. By Chidanand Rajghatta,
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ASHINGTON: It’s not every day that the US President drops by for dinner at the home of an ordinary resident, much less an Indian-American entrepreneur, but Vinod Khosla is no regular Joe. The famed Silicon Valley venture capitalist, cofounder of Sun Microsystems and initiator of many green enterprises, hosted President Obama at his Portola Valley home on Thursday night amid a political firestorm in Washington over US government surveillance of private citizens. The intimate dinner with New Delhi-born Khosla, his wife Neeru, and selected guests that included three key US Senators, was part of Obama’s fundraising for Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. It cost the exclusive attendees a small matter of $32,400 per head. Earlier in the evening, the President stopped by at the Palo Alto home of Flipboard CEO Mike McCue, where entry was a more modest $2500 per head. Khosla, a green guru, now a well-known figure in Washington DC circles, is obviously in with the Democratic Party. A White House transcript of Obama’s remarks indicated that the Khosla entire family, including his four children, was at the event, along with what were evidently two very big dogs. “I want to thank Vinod and Neeru
and the entire family — and these beasts — for hosting us here today. These two could eat Bo in one gulp,” Obama was quoted as saying amid laughter. Bo is the Presidential First Dog. The President headed out mid-week to California, where his main agenda is a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinpin. But he also took in a couple of fundraisers and pitched his health care initiatives ahead of the meeting, which has already become a hotly debated topic in diplomatic circles in Beijing and Washington for the perceived snub by Michelle Obama to the Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, who is accompanying her husband to California. The US First Lady is staying back in Washington to be with her daughters Malia and Sasha, who are finishing their school year, rather than go with her husband for the big bilateral, a decision which reportedly has caused much anguish and heartburn in Chinese circles. The Chinese First Lady, who has been dubbed the “Kate Middleton of China” for her fashionable public appearances, is an acclaimed singer who has taken on a more public and glamorous role than spouses of previous Chinese leaders. But even this kerfuffle has paled before the growing controversy over the perceived
Indian pilgrim dies of heart attack in Pakistan
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ahore: A Sikh pilgrim from India died of a heart attack while travelling in a train in this eastern Pakistani city, officials said. Jaswinder Singh, a 69-yearold resident of Delhi, suffered a severe heart attack while travelling in the train at Chowki Shahdara Railway Station and died instantly yesterday, officials of a state-run rescue service said.
Singh was part of a group of Sikh pilgrims travelling from Nankana Sahab in Punjab, Pakistan to Lahore. Hundreds of Indian Sikhs are visiting Pakistan to participate in events marking the death anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasanabdal. A rescue team took the deceased’s body to Mayo Hospital in Lahore. (PTI)
ing government surveillance, putting the President on the
backfoot in talks with the Chinese leadership that is expected
to include Beijing’s cybersnooping. (TNN).
SOUTH ASIA
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FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
The wannabes of Gujarat: Who India call violation of PakModi will choose to run the state? istan airspace ‘technical’
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ith Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi set to embrace a national role in the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year and five assembly polls before this year ends, people here are animatedly discussing who he will choose to run the state. Will it be Anandiben Patel who holds some key portfolios, including revenue, in his ministry or will finance minister Nitin Patel be elevated from No. 2 in the cabinet to No. 1? Or will the Gujarat strongman place his boost energy minister Saurabh Patel, who has a rapport with industrialists and business leaders or will he rely on his close aide Amit Shah? Among the names doing the rounds is that of Anandiben Patel, Modi’s most trusted confidante and minister who holds key portfolios such as urban development, besides revenue. She is also in charge of Ahmedabad city and district, the political bastion of the saffron party in Gujarat. Though she is 68 years old and has some health problems, Anandiben is regarded as the front runner to replace Modi if he moves to Delhi. She is not a mass leader but enjoys Modi’s absolute trust and is not very ambitious. She is, however, the arch rival of Amit Shah, another powerful protege of Modi. Also in the race is Nitin Patel, 58, the No. 2 in the Modi cabinet. The finance and health minister recently presided over a cabinet meeting when Modi was unwell. That was the first time in Modi’s 12-year rule that a minister was allowed to do so. Nitin has been an old guard of the BJP, having been a protege of Keshubhai before he moved to the Modi camp. But if Modi decides on someone who has sound relations with big business, then he could promote energy minister Saurabh Patel, 55, an MBA from the US.
EW DELHI, (AFP) - India confirmed on Wednesday that its jets had entered Pakistani airspace, but described the incident as a “technical violation”.
and it appears to be a technical violation,” Joshi said in a statement to AFP.
er jets after the border crossing by two Indian planes.
The comments come after Pakistan on Tuesday accused Indian jets of briefly violating its airspace, days after India said one of its soldiers had been killed by Pakistani troops.
She said the incident has been “conveyed to the Pakistan authorities”. An agreement between the rival South Asian neighbours bans their military aircraft from flying within 10 kilometres (six miles) of each other’s airspace or initiate cross-border intrusions.
India accused Pakistan last week of fomenting militancy in the Indian state of Punjab and killing a soldier in cross-border firing. Pakistan rejected both allegations.
The jets were taking part in a routine mission along the India-Pakistan border on Tuesday when the incident occurred, Indian Air Force (IAF) spokeswoman Priya Joshi said. “It is clarified that IAF aircraft which were on a routine flying training sortie seem to have flown close to the border
After the last assembly polls, Saurabh was elevated from junior minister to cabinet rank. The son-in-law of Ramnikbhai Ambani, the elder brother of the late Dhirubhai Ambani, Saurabh is an experienced minister and understands governance issues. Then, there is a possibility of Amit Shah, 51, stepping into Modi’s shoes. Currently a national general secretary of the BJP in charge of the party’s affairs in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, Shah is facing a triple-murder charge in the case involving the killing of gangster Sohrabuddin Sheikh, his wife Kauser Bi and accomplice Tulsiram Prajapati. Shah is fiercely loyal to Modi and is an extremely shrewd politician with formidable organisational skills. These names are being discussed because Modi, who has been ruling Gujarat since October 2001 with a firm grip on the administration and party organisation, has himself become a political giant without a strong second line of leadership. Modi is undoubtedly the most popular
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leader in the state but he has finished a generation of stalwarts in the BJP in Gujarat. As a senior Gujarat BJP MP close to party patriarch LK Advani said, “90% of sitting BJP MLAs in Gujarat would not have won without Modi. Their dependence on him is absolute. Minus Modi, the Gujarat BJP would not even win 70 seats in the state.” “Ever since Modi became CM, there has been tremendous centralisation of power, with only a handful of ministers and a few bureaucrats running the show,” said a retired bureaucrat who worked with Modi for several years. Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela, once a prominent BJP leader credited with creating the party’s base among the OBCs in Gujarat, said, “Way back in 1995, in a letter to LK Advani, I had explained how power hungry Modi is and what he is doing to drive a wedge between me and Keshubhai (Patel). Advani has now realised this when Modi has almost finished him.” (HT)
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that it had “conveyed serious concern to the Indian High Commission (embassy) over the airspace violation” over its eastern province of Punjab. Pakistan scrambled two fight-
The nuclear-armed states have fought three wars, two of them over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Each administers part of the territory but claims it in full. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took office last week, promising to pursue good relations with India and resolve outstanding disputes such as Kashmir.
Advani back in fold, withdraws resignation: official
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EW DELHI, June 11, 2013 (AFP) - India’s Hindu nationalist opposition said Tuesday party patriarch L.K. Advani would return to the fold, a day after he quit in apparent protest at the naming of Narendra Modi to head the 2014 election campaign.
Advani “has said that any decision of the party he will accept,” Singh said.
In a shock move, Advani, an 85year-old stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a former deputy prime minister, resigned Monday from all his positions in the party which he helped build into a national force.
Modi’s elevation came despite resistance from some colleagues who view the chief minister of Gujarat as an electorally divisive figure for failing to stop deadly anti-Muslim riots in 2002 in his home state.
Advani’s resignation was rejected by the BJP’s parliamentary board amid high drama that followed his decision. On Tuesday, BJP president Rajnath Singh announced that Advani would continue to “guide the party in the national interest”. Singh said he had assured Advani that his concerns about the functioning of the party would be “properly addressed”.
Modi’s appointment as campaign manager at a weekend party meeting in the coastal state of Goa is seen as a stepping stone to him being named the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.
BJP leaders gathered at Advani’s residence to make the announcement that the veteran leader was staying on in the party. However, Advani was not present at the news conference for what Singh explained were “reasons of common etiquette”. He did not elaborate. In a terse resignation letter, Advani had said he was “finding it difficult to reconcile with either
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the functioning of the party or the direction in which it is going”. “Most BJP leaders are concerned just with their personal agendas,” he wrote in an oblique reference to controversial rightwing leader Modi. Advani, who built the BJP into the only national opposition to Congress, had snubbed the party conference where Modi was named campaign chairman. Advani’s unhappiness highlighted the difficult road ahead for Modi who will need to win the backing of other senior BJP members as well as the party’s regional coalition partners to become the party’s candidate for prime minister, analysts say. Analysts also say the dissent could hurt the BJP’s chances of recapturing power despite widespread public anger against the ruling Congress over corruption scandals. The general elections are slated to be held by May of next year.
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VOICE OF ASIA 10
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
VOICE OF ASIA 11
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
VOICE OF ASIA 13
LIFESTYLE
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
Vol. 26
No. 24
Friday, June 14, 2013
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
Metal bra clasps banned in China’s university entrance exam
File photo: A teacher checks a student for any hidden electronic devices before she sits for the annual college entrance examinations in Suining, southwest China’s Sichuan province. (AFP PHOTO)
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EIJING: More than nine million students packed exam halls across China for the opening day of the country’s university entrance exam on Friday -- with attempts to stop cheating even leading to bans on metal bra clasps. Students in the northeastern province of Jilin were banned from wearing clothing with metal parts and education authorities installed metal detectors in exam centres to clamp down on “wireless cheating devices”, the state-run Global Times reported. Authorities have become increasingly concerned about the risk of examinees using devices such as smartphones -some of which have become smaller and easier to hide -- as an illicit aid during tests. Around 9.12 million high school students were registered across China to sit the crucially important two-day exam, known as the gaokao, an education ministry spokeswoman said.
Officials aimed to crack down on “sales of high-tech gear for cheating, and gaokao-related fraud”, the Global Times said. But users of China’s Twitter-like weibos were scornful. “Everyone is paying attention to the bras. What about glasses?” said one. Some measures to ensure students reach the annual test on time can be extreme. Pictures posted online showed an amphibious fire engine ploughing through water to deliver a boy dressed in school uniform to the exam in a remote part of Inner Mongolia. The southern city of Guangzhou introduced dedicated lanes for vehicles taking students to the gaokao, local media said, while parents in China’s business hub of Shanghai booked taxis a week in advance for their children. Alternatively, families rent rooms in nearby hotels to avoid wasting valuable study time commuting to exam halls, the website of the state-run People’s
Daily reported. Some parents paid as much as 5,000 yuan ($815) a night for five-star accommodation in Shanghai, after facilities close to schools dubbing themselves “gaokao hotels” sold out of rooms, the report said. Parents across the country visited temples to make offerings for their children’s success, the Global Times said, while photos showed others waiting outside exam rooms with food and drink specially prepared for their children. There are more than seven million university places available in China for the next academic year, so that most of those who take the test will secure one, but where they will go is hugely dependent on their results. In Beijing, Chinese, mathematics and English are compulsory subjects, with one other paper in either arts or sciences, and the exam is scored out of a maximum 750 points. China’s top educational institutions
Tel: 713-774-5140
Global warming puts SE Asia, India at higher flood risk
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ARIS: Rising carbon emissions will place parts of India, China, Southeast Asia, East Africa and the northern Andes at a higher risk of extreme floods, a study published on Sunday says. Global warming will boost the frequency at which exceptional An Indian villager looks across a road that was floods occur in these washed away by flood waters at Burgaon Patekibori regions, while eastern village. (AFP/Biju Boro) Europe, parts of Scandinavia, Chile and The “return period” of once-a-centuArgentina will have ry floods reduces if warming levels by fewer such events, it suggests. 2100 are lower, though. The estimates are based on 11 modThe study, published in the jourels for greenhouse-gas emissions and their impact on 29 river basins by nal Nature Climate Change, is led by Yukiko Hirabayashi of the University 2100. of Tokyo. At the extreme end of the estimate It is one of the most ambitious atrange - if temperatures rise by four or five degrees Celsius (seven or nine de- tempts to fine tune estimates on where grees Fahrenheit) - a flood event that flooding will occur in a warmer world. statistically occurred only once every Previous studies have used only sevone hundred years in the 20th century eral models, or even just one, which could return every 10 to 50 years in means the range of uncertainty is very wide. the most vulnerable locations. “Many of these regions are already notorious for (being) flood-prone,” said Shinjiro Kanae, a civil engineer at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who took part in the modelling.
The Japanese authors note that there remains a large margin of regional variability in their estimates. They also point out that the estimates do not take into account actions that worsen or prevent flooding.
such as Peking University or Tsinghua, also in the capital, can demand scores of around 600 or more.
education and employment have turned so unfair we have entered an age where your fate is determined by who your father is. So what’s the point of making one single exam fair?”
The test has come under fierce criticism on China for putting enormous pressure on students, and as a symbol of educational inequality, with many lowincome students whose parents have migrated to cities barred from taking the exam in their new homes. Top institutions also generally demand higher entry qualifications for applicants from other provinces. Weibo poster Hu Qijun said: “They claim to aim for fairness, but enrolment,
Questions can be bizarre. “If Thomas Edison returned to the 21st century, what would he think of cellphones?” one province asked this year, requiring an 800-character answer, according to the Sina web portal. The central province of Hunan offered the single phrase “Walk past” as the topic for a writing composition, the report said.
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VOICE OF ASIA 14
Friday, June 14, 2013 by William Edwards BOSTON - Recent Northeastern University graduate Greg Dube hopes to launch a bright engineering career soon, but like many young Americans, he is haunted by a looming financial burden: some $150,000 in student loan debt.
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
Tel: 713-774-5140
Anxiety over student loans as US lawmakers play politics
Senator Johnny Isakson said neither party’s plan will get the necessary 60 votes to overcome blocking tactics from the other side, and predicted that “we’ll come together and make a compromise.” Among supporters of the subsidized rate, experts agree it is imperative to maintain low interest levels for those preparing to enter the labor market.
“I think I’m going to end up paying back more than double that in total,” said the 23-year-old, predicting it will take 20 years to repay his loans -- if he’s lucky enough to find a decent job.
“It’s important that loans stay affordable and people can afford college so that they can go on to buy a house and to buy a car and be productive economic engines of growth,” said Anne Johnson, director of Campus Progress, the youth division of the Center for American Progress.
Millions of students take out loans to pay for the skyrocketing cost of college in the United States.
Federal interest rates are as low as 3.4 percent for financially needy students, but that rate is set to double by July 1 if Congress does not act, adding hundreds of dollars per year to a borrower’s costs.
US college costs have soared over the past decade, to as much as $40,000 per year for top schools. Renea Gooch knows the long-term costs better than most. Having graduated with a degree in molecular biology at the height of the financial crisis in 2008, she said that even now that she’s got a good job, her debt burden of more than $100,000 has weighed her down.
About $20,000 of Dube’s tally is in such federal loans, but the rest of the borrowing was from private banks, which sometimes charged more than nine percent interest. The first bills are due six month after graduation. “That’s the most daunting,” Dube told AFP. “That’s almost my deadline for finding a job.” Two thirds of students finish university in debt, with an average loan bill that topped $26,600 in 2011. In all, more than 37 million Americans are paying off student loans. Student debt has more than tripled since 2004, to $986 billion as of March 31, more than the accumulated nationwide credit card debt and auto loan debt, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. President Barack Obama used the issue to his advantage in 2012, courting young voters on the campaign trail as he pressured Republicans to avoid the rate hikes. It worked, and Congress froze for 12 months the 3.4 percent rate of the subsidized Stafford federal loans. But with partisan bickering a perennial blood sport in Washington, the brinkmanship is back, and students could be faced with higher college costs unless action is taken in the coming weeks. While he has been less confronta-
Students take part in Boston College’s Law School graduation ceremony, in Newton, Massachusetts, on May 22, 2009 (Getty Images/AFP/File, Darren Mccollester) tional this year, the president nonetheless stood with college students at his side in the White House Rose Garden on Friday, recalling how low-interest loans helped put him and First Lady Michelle Obama through college and law school.
Obama wants to peg student loan rates to the 10-year Treasury note, plus overhead charges of 0.93 percent for low-income students and 2.93 percent for other students. The plan would lock in the rates for the life of the 10- or 20-year loan. Republicans want a similar market peg, although without a lock-in but with an 8.5 percent cap. The Republican-led House of Representatives passed such a bill last month,
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South Asian Spelling Bee Alumni Shine at Scripps
t the recently concluded Scripps National spelling Bee; 8 of the 11 contestants were of South Asian descent. Of these, 5 were alumni of the MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee.
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The top two spellers of each regional competition will advance to the finals to be held in New Jersey in August. Like last year, MetLife has inducted the $10,000 champion’s scholarship
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VOICE OF ASIA 16
BOLLYWOOD MASALA
Friday, June 14, 2013
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
Bollywood star’s boyfriend remanded over suicide
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FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
Tel: 713-774-5140
1st death anniversary of renowned ghazal singer Mehdi Hasan Khan
UMBAI - A court in India remanded the boyfriend of the late Bollywood actress Jiah Khan in custody Tuesday over accusations that his behaviour had helped drive her to commit suicide. Suraj Pancholi, a 22-year-old aspiring actor, was brought before a court in Mumbai after police arrested him on Monday for “abetment to commit suicide”, a week after his girlfriend’s body was discovered at her home. Additional Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre-Patil told AFP that the charge was based on the contents of a suicide note found at Khan’s Mumbai and from a statement by her mother. Pancholi was remanded in custody by the court until June 13.
Suraj Pancholi, the boyfriend of the late Bollywood actress Jiah Khan, attends her funeral in Mumbai on June 5, 2013. (AFP Photo)
Khan, who made her debut starring opposite acting legend Amitabh Bachchan, was found dead in an apparent suicide on June 3.
made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with the controversial film “Nishabd” (No words), playing a teenager in love with her best friend’s much older father, played by Bachchan.
box-office hit.
The 25-year-old’s parents found a suicide note in her wallet which reports said contained details of her troubled relationship with Pancholi.
The movie won attention because of its provocative storyline and Khan was praised for her bold acting.
Pancholi has been taking acting lessons and was set to make his own film debut, having signed to feature in the Salman Khan movie “Hero”. He has previously worked as an assistant director.
Khan, born in New York before moving to London and then Mumbai,
Khan, who changed her name from Nafisa Khan, went on to star alongside actor Aamir Khan in “Ghajini”, a
India’s film industry reacted with shock and sadness to her death, with superstar Aamir Khan saying he was “deeply pained”.
“Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” crosses 1bln rupees at box office
Mehdi Hasan Khan
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SLAMABAD: The first death anniversary of Pakistan’s ghazal singer late Mehdi Hasan Khan was observed on Sunday, 9th June 2013 with tributes paid to his contribution in music field. Mehdi Hassan was born on 18 July 1927 in a village called Luna, Rajasthan in Jhunjhunu district in India into a family of traditional musicians. He was awarded KL Saigal Sangeet Shehenshah Award by the Government of India. He was honored with Tamgha-eImtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan. In 1983, in the court of King Birendra he was awarded Gorkha Dakshina Bahu by the Government of Nepal.
In 1957, Mehdi Hassan was given the opportunity to sing on Radio Pakistan, primarily as a thumri singer, which earned him recognition within the musical fraternity. He had a passion for Urdu poetry, and therefore, he began to experiment by singing ghazals on a part-time basis. He cites radio officers Z.A. Bukhari and Rafiq Anwar as additional influences in his progression as a ghazal singer. His first song was ‘Jis ne mere dil ko dard diya’ film Susral in 1962 and popular ghazal ‘Insha ji ab kooch karo is shar me dil ko lagna kia’ made him immortal. Later Lata Mangeshkar said compliments for him that “Bhagwan talks in his throat”.
He remained a leading singer of film industry along with Ahmed Rushdi.
In October 2010, HMV released ‘Sarhadein’ in which probably the first and last duet song ‘Tera Milana’ featuring Mehdi Hassan and Lata Mangeshkar was released.
The highest civilian honor of Pakistan is conferred on him- Nishan-eImtiaz
Mehdi Hassan died on 13 June 2012 after a protracted illness, in a private hospital in Karachi.
Who will be Hrithik Roshan’s lucky female lead?
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ith Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan landing the lead role in the upcoming romantic drama, Shuddhi, it comes as a surprise that the film is still in need of a female lead as there is never a shortage of takers for a role opposite the gorgeous and multi-talented film star.
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone play the lead roles.
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UMBAI: Romantic comedy “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” has pulled in 1 billion rupees in domestic ticket sales in one week, underscoring actor Ranbir Kapoor’s increasing clout at the Bollywood box office. “He is not just a star, he is a superstar now,” trade analyst Vajir Singh said. “The rate at which ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ has crossed 100 crore
(1 billion) rupees in domestic theatre revenues is bigger than his last film ‘Barfi’, which also did well at the box office,” he said. “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar, stars Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. Kapoor, who made his Bollywood debut with “Saawariya” in 2007, has forged a successful career despite tackling unconventional roles in an
industry dominated by action films and family dramas. The versatile actor played a deaf-mute in “Barfi!” last year and stood out in the ensemble cast of Prakash Jha’s “Raajneeti” for his supporting role as the hardnosed, ambitious scion of a political party. The 30-year-old actor is currently filming Anurag Kashyap’s “Bombay Velvet”, a thriller co-starring Anushka Sharma.
The projects director, Karan Malhotra who is working closely with Hrithik Roshan again following the critically acclaimed Agneepath has told an Indian film trade that ‘We are still looking for the leading lady’ and ‘We have not finalised Kareena or Anushka’. The director went on to clear up the rumours by saying ‘So far only Hrithik Roshan has been confirmed and the leading lady is not yet finalised. Probable by mid June, we will have finalised the leading lady for the film’. Karan Malhotra has previously stated that he has a ‘wish list’ of actors that he wants in the film and it is clear why he would have locked down
Hrithik Roshan Hrithik Roshan following the broken box office records of Agneepath’s release. We’ll just have to wait and see who the lucky women will be. Hrithik Roshan is currently filming for the Indian film re-make of Knight And Day with Katrina Kaif, and will be resuming his superhero character in Krrish 3, out this Diwali 2013.
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VOICE OF ASIA 17
ENTERTAINMENT
India Bags 3 Awards At SAARC Film Festival
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OLOMBO: India bagged three top awards including the Best Feature Film, the Best Director and Special Jury Certificate of Recognition at the third SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Film Festival in Colombo. Indian film “Paan Singh Tomar” won the best Feature Film award for its fascinating plot and strong direction. Pakistan won two prestigious awards at the 2013 SAARC Film Festival awards ceremony held at the National Films Corporation Sri Lanka. This year’s Best Actress award in SAARC Region went to Pakistan’s Aamina Sheikh, for her role in “Seedlings- Lamha”, which has also won Silver Medal in the category of Best Feature Film of SAARC Region. The other two nominations were “The Story of a Living Saint” and “A Bike Ride from USA to Pakistan”, which were both competing in the documentary category. The award-winning 90 minutes feature, “Seedlings”, is directed by Mansoor Mujahid and produced by Meher Jaferi. It chronicles the story of a happy couple whose lives are changed forever after a devastating accident. The circumstances surrounding the tragedy leave the couple besieged with unanswered questions, leading them to re-evaluate their whole approach to life and their mutual relationship. The film festival focuses on promoting some of the best films featured from 2010 to 2012, screening feature and documentary films made by member states of the SAARC Association such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The films in competition were later adjudicated by an international panel of jury from Singapore, Iran and Russia. The ceremony was held under the distinguished patronage of Honourable Minister Dhilan Perera, Minister of Foreign Employ-
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
‘Kinky Boots’ wins six Tony awards including best musical
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EW YORK (REUTERS): “Kinky Boots” won six Tony awards on Sunday including the top award of best musical and a prize for its composer, pop queen Cyndi Lauper, as Broadway presented its top honors. Lauper won best score for her first Broadway musical, “Kinky Boots,” an adaptation of a British film about a struggling shoe factory reinventing itself by making boots for drag queens. Actress Aamina Sheikh in a scene from “Seedlings- Lamha” ment, Promotion and Welfare, Sri Lanka. The Chief Guest congratulated Pakistan for receiving the awards and appreciated the cinematic excellence displayed by the Pakistani presentations. Final Results: SAARC Film Festival 2013 Best Actor - Thisal Moragoda – (Mouse) from Sri Lanka Best Actress – Aamina Sheikh (Seedlings) from Pakistan Trophy for Best Director – Tigmanshu Dhulia (Paan Singh
Tomar) from India Best Documentary Film – “Cost of Climate Change” – Tshering Penjor from Bhutan Best Feature Film Bronze Medal – “Mouse” Directed by Wasantha Moragoda from Sri Lanka Best Feature Film Silver Medal – “Seedlings” Directed by Mansoor Munjahid from Pakistan Best Feature Film Trophy – Paan Singh Tomar – Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia from India
The hit musical topped the nominations with 13 and also won best actor in a musical for Billy Porter, best choreography, orchestrations and sound design. A tearful Lauper said “I can’t say I wasn’t practicing in front of the shower curtain for the past couple of days,” and went on to “thank Broadway, for welcoming me.” Porter, who as the strong, proud drag queen is at the show’s heart, said he first watched the Tony telecast at home at age 11, and recalled a performance from the musical “Dreamgirls” by saying “That moment has changed my life.” The best play Tony was won by “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” a crowd-pleasing comic riff on Anton Chekhov’s work by veteran playwright Christopher Durang that stars Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce. Winning his first-ever Tony award, Durang noted that he had written his first play in the second grade in the 1950s, adding “It’s been a long road.” In an unexpected win, Tracy Letts, who is also an awardwinning playwright (“August: Osage County”) was named best actor in a play for his strongly praised performance in the revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” which was widely predicted to go to Tom Hanks making his Broadway debut in the late Nora Ephron’s journalism drama, “Lucky Guy.” The Edward Albee classic also won the Tony for best revival of a play.
Cyndi Lauper poses with her award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for “Kinky Boots” Cicely Tyson won best actress in a play for her moving portrayal of an elderly woman returning to her former home in the revival of “The Trip to Bountiful,” marking her return to Broadway after some 30 years. Speaking with deliberation and poise, Tyson, 79, noted she had a “burning desire” to do just one more play and remarked a teleprompter was saying “Please wrap it up. Well, that’s exactly what you did to me,” she continued. “You wrapped me up in your arms after 30 years and now, I can go home with a Tony.” “Matilda the Musical,” an Olivier award-winning production based on a story by Roald Dahl about a precocious little girl that received ecstatic reviews and 12 nominations, came away with four awards, including best book of a musical and best featured actor in a musical for Gabriel Ebert. Veteran television, film and theater actress Andrea Martin won best featured actress in a musical for an acclaimed circusthemed revival of the 1970s hit “Pippin,” which won four Tonys including best revival of a musical, best actress in a musical Patina Miller and best director for
Diane Paulus. Women won both the directing honors with Pam MacKinnon taking home the Tony for play direction for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Judith Light, known to television audiences for the sitcom “Who’s the Boss” but also an acclaimed stage actress, won her second consecutive Tony, for “The Assembled Parties.” She paid tribute to her fellow nominees, saying “you have made this a celebration, not a competition.” Light won the same award last year for “Other Desert Cities.” Courtney B. Vance won best featured actor in a play for “Lucky Guy,” saying backstage as his gazed at his award, “It’s nice to meet you fella’.” The show at Radio City Music Hall and broadcast on CBS featured appearances by the casts of “Kinky Boots, “Matilda” and “Pippin.” It opened with host Neil Patrick Harris leading a lavish, satirical production featuring the casts of those shows as well as “Cinderella,” “Spiderman” and even Mike Tyson, who did a one-man show this season and dueted with Harris.
VOICE OF ASIA 20
Friday, June 14, 2013
P
ARIS - Global demand for aircraft in the next 20 years will be even stronger than estimated so far, pulled by demand in the Asia-Pacific region and from low-cost carriers, US manufacturer Boeing said on Tuesday.
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Section 2
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FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
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Airliner market worth US$4.8 trillion in 20 years: Boeing
Air traffic is rising at an explosive rate, with the number of passengers carried per year to double over the two decades, Boeing estimated.
Airbus is confident that the future lies with the superjumbo A380, the only aircraft in its class, because of the continuous growth of world airpassenger traffic.
These increases were from estimates made last July, said the vice president for marketing of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Randy Tinseth.
Boeing holds that airlines will prefer smaller long-haul aircraft such as its 787 Dreamliner. The first version of this aircraft can carry up to 250 passengers.
Boeing and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus compete strongly for most of the existing market for airliners, but they face increasingly strong competition in years ahead from growing manufacturers in emerging economies.
Boeing, publishing its market estimates before the Paris Air Show opens on Monday, said that from 2013-2032, demand in the segment for mediumrange airliners with a single aisle, typically supplied by the Boeing 737 model or Airbus A320, would total 24,670 aircraft worth $2.29 billion. Demand in this sector would continue to be led by orders from low-cost by Khurram Shahzad
L
AHORE - Pakistanis are hoping their new prime minister will roll out high-profile projects that became his party’s trademark in its political heartland of Punjab, but the nation’s dire finances threaten the optimism. The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) won huge popularity and a reputation for getting things done with a series of big-ticket schemes over the past five years in Punjab, the country’s richest, most populous province. A metro bus system in the provincial capital Lahore -- the first such scheme in the country’s 65-year history -- free laptops and solar energy panels for students and a network of high-quality schools in poor rural areas made Punjab the envy of Pakistan. In the campaign for the May 11 general election, PML-N leader and now Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his younger brother, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, promised similar schemes for the whole country. After five years of listless government under the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), voters responded to the promise of action and handed the party a majority. In Lahore, the Metro Bus which
Boeing accounts for 10.0 percent of this market with its 747-8 aircraft which is the latest version of the Jumbo Jet 747. The main rival product is the Airbus A380, but Airbus has taken orders for only 262 of these. The two giant manufacturers hold different views of the market for jumbo airliners.
Boeing raised its estimate of global demand by 3.8 percent to 35,280 aircraft, and in value by 7.0 percent to $4,800 billion (3,600 billion euros).
Airbus estimated in its last forecast in September that from 2012-2031, demand for new airliners would total 28,200 and that this market would be worth $4,000 billion.
haul aircraft, but reduced by 4.0 percent its forecast for sales in the segment for jumbo aircraft with 400 seats or more.
Tinseth said: “This forecast gives us confidence as we increase our production rates and invest in new products like the 777X and 787-10X.”
An IndiGo Airbus A320 aircraft flares for final approach at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. (AFP/ Raveendran) airlines and by demand from emerging economies. More than one third of total demand would come from the Asia-Pacific region where airlines would need 12,820 new aircraft. The markets in North America,
where fleets were ageing, and in Europe would each generate demand for more than 7,000 aircraft. Airlines in Latin America would order 2,900 planes, in the Middle East 2,610, and in Russia and the neighbouring confederation of independent
states 1,170. Demand in Africa would total 1,070 aircraft. Boeing also raised what it expects to be its sales of long-haul and medium-
Money woes cloud Pakistan infrastructure boom hopes opened in February has revolutionised travel around the city, a traffic-clogged mishmash of colonial-era buildings, cheap housing and newer, more upmarket suburbs.
said.
The 27-station network of buses running on dedicated lanes and elevated roadways, run by a Turkish company and carrying 120,000 passengers a day, was built at a cost of 30 billion rupees ($300 million).
Nawaz’s first speech in his third term as PM last week was strong on talk of investment in infrastructure, particularly a road and rail network to link northern neighbour China to the southwestern port of Gwadar, recently taken over by Beijing.
Terminals offer a computerised fare system and commuters can use smart cards to avoid the hassle of queueing -- a welcome use of technology in a bureaucratic land where paperwork, preferably in triplicate, is still king. Hira Farhat, a pharmacy student at the University of Punjab, was delighted with the service. “It’s comfortable and quicker than other means of transport. It has cooling system and takes me to my university in 15 minutes. The government must start it in other cities also,” she
The PML-N has promised to take the metro bus to Karachi, the largest city and economic heart of Pakistan, and the capital Islamabad.
“All development projects will be completed before the completion of our five-years term so that people can get the fruits,” said Sharif. But populist projects do not come cheap and Pakistan is in a dire financial predicament, with a fiscal deficit in 2012 of 8.5 percent of GDP and growth in 2013 forecast at 3.5 percent -- half what economists say is needed to absorb the growing young population into the workforce. More pressingly, foreign exchange reserves are dwindling, to just $6.6
billion in late May, or less than two months’ export cover, down from $11.3 billion a year earlier. The opposition in Punjab said the PML-N’s flagship projects were marred by corruption and ran hugely overbudget, leaving other cities and districts under-resourced. “The Punjab government crossed the initial estimates for Metro Bus and spent 70 billion rupees instead of 30 billion rupees,” claimed Raja Riaz, former PPP opposition leader in Punjab. “They cut the development funds of other cities for this one project and also diverted the finances of much more important departments like education and health.” Islamabad is due to repay the International Monetary Fund more than $4 billion by the end of 2014, putting further pressure on currency reserves, and many observers expect Pakistan to have to ask for another loan. That would come with a host of
Boeing has not yet launched officially its new long-haul models with wings built from composite materials to complete its range of airliners which use less fuel than previous planes. Tinseth said that in 20 years’ time, the number of passengers carried each year will rise from 3.0 billion to 6.0 billion. Huge investment in aircraft, airports and air-traffic management systems will be needed to meet this explosion of demand, he said. tough conditions, including boosting Pakistan’s wretched tax collection, which currently brings in less than 10 percent of GDP. Sharif has said he would welcome help from the likes of Turkey and China as he seeks to boost the economy, but analysts are warning the PML-N’s projects could create extra burdens. “These are good projects but at the same time the government should also be in the business of mobilising resources,” said Ashfaq Hassan Khan, principal of the National University of Science and Technology Business School. “If resources are not mobilised and yet we go for financing all these kinds of projects nationally, it will lead to a larger budget deficit and accumulation of more debt.” Economist Kaiser Bengali agreed, saying there was scope to improve existing infrastructure at much lower cost than beginning new schemes. “For example, we have already a network of circular railway in Karachi and government can use it for better transportation of commuters instead of working on a new project,” he told AFP. “But our rulers go for new fancy projects and they want to spend money on new schemes.”
FEATURE
VOICE OF ASIA 21
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
Your Horoscope (For week beginning Friday, June 14, 2013)
Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950
As per Indian Vedic Astrology the Moon sign is considered, in which every Rashi has control over certain letters, which are initials of your name. Whereas in Western system of Sun Sign, all the people born in one month belong to the same sign. For example, every year approximately around 21 of March to 20th April, the Sun is moving in the Aries Constellation. So all the people born in that month belong to the Sign of Aries. If you were born in between those two dates then you are a Aries born.
Aries (A,L,E) 21st. March to 20 April Travel, visitors, several errands, vehicle expense and other forms of excitement and need are likely to fill. Your ESP is sharp and respecting your gut instincts may save you time, money, grief and hassle for yourself and other members. Enjoyable gatherings are likely but an early day ‘distraction’ of some kind could cause delays or costly setbacks. Relations with the women in your life will bring out your sensitivity and sympathetic reaction. You may reflect on the past and decide to dedicate yourself to resolving these issues. You may be feeling a little shy or socially awkward. Your social responsibilities will not allow you to avoid meeting people.
Taurus
(B,V,U) 21 April to 21 May
You simply may not be seeing people objectively. You may be a little smitten with someone only to be disappointed when you discover that they are not at all who they seemed to be. You may be reluctant to share or express some of your thoughts and ideas for fear that others will have very different opinions. Your ‘emotional family life’ may fall under the gun this week ‘big time’ with complaining members, warring factors, old problems, issues with elders, challenges with in-laws and unhappy spouses don’t ‘pay them enough ‘romantic attention’’.
Gemini
(K,CHH,GH) 22 May to 21 June
Don’t allow pressure to push your goals out of focus. Your ability to communicate dynamically will gain the interest of those who matter. Think hard and fast to remember all the facts. You will feel you are at your best when you allow music and art to transform your lifestyle. It may enhance your creativity to make handling life’s ordinary details a bit simpler. Unexpected expense, escalating arguments, may blend to take a big juicy bite out of your wallet. Illness, injury and ‘sad/bad news’ is also possible and ‘loss’ may be included, especially IF you have pets or elders.
Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Take a real deep breath and don’t allow others to take advantage of your good nature. You need to trust your instincts and your creative talents. Push hard on your own objectives. There may be some intense competition or personal conflict that will try to take you by surprise. You will feel you must at least stand up for your rights in the face the opposition. Practical matters may dip into your cash reserves, especially plumbing, home repairs, vehicle maintenance and travel expense. Poor cooperation once again ‘marks’ your weekend with over emotional issues and/or discussions. The time may just ‘fly by’ in a whirlwind and you may ‘left with questions, unfinished projects’ or just ‘more work than expected’.
Leo (M) 23 July to 23 August
You may want to take offense but try to keep your dealings pleasant and meaningful. This will give you the opportunity to bring a better balance to your relationships diplomatically. You may be afforded a unique insight to find new ways to deal with life’s everyday obstacles. Problems that are identified now will encourage you to move forward with better perspective. Get as much done early in the week as you can since your stars show very poor cooperation the later days of week, with some added expense likely and also the ‘threat’ of arguments, aggravation or even conflict/s, especially with office/staff members.
Virgo (P) 24 August to - 23 September Your close relationships may need a little boost of imagination. Relax your restless and assertive spirit and ask your partner to join up with you in pursuing your creative impulses. Creative pastimes shared with your mate are likely to spark new adventures. If you are single, you may be easily enchanted by someone who is very charming and sophisticated. Your stars show ease but conflict or difficulty and at the very least ‘poor cooperation’. You may find many ‘needs’ to invest yourself and you can relax. Invitations from afar or ‘long range planning sessions’ are likely.
Libra
Your close relationships may need a little boost of imagination. Relax your restless and assertive spirit and ask your partner to join up with you in pursuing your creative impulses. Creative pastimes shared with your mate are likely to spark new adventures. If you are single, you may be easily enchanted by someone who is very charming and sophisticated. Keep this week simple and ‘low key’ on demands and spending, especially when your more ‘practical side’ is willing to spend. Repairs to vehicles and ‘transportation and travel expense’ is likely. Adding another vehicle to the family, especially for youth or partner is highly likely.
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Scorpio (N,Y) 24 Oct. to 23 Nov. You will be motivated and interested in probing far beneath the surface. Your research will enable you to understand the underlying causes behind an event or behavior. Regardless of your profession, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to improve your methods. This knowledge will help you to deal with situations you encounter at work. Get as much as you can done this week as your stars show you MAY get/be ‘stone walled’ and you’ll need family support, insight and understanding BIG time. Some sort of ‘big promise, dream or plan’ may take form and if it does, it appears to be very far range. Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 23. Nov. to 21 Dec. Emotional gestures from strangers will touch your heart deeply. Take advantage of any opportunity of communication to spread your message. Positive reactions will prevail. Dreaming of new lands to travel will give you a real thirst for adventure. You will be able to enjoy new adventures while researching the cuisine of distant places of interest. Your stars show you are likely to be ‘down’ for with issues like common illness/injury or other distractions or unusual complications and may NEED family support.
Capricorn
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(KH,J) 22 Dec. to 20 Jan.
Your immediate plans should include a little bit of rest and relaxation. Take this time to rejuvenate yourself and get started on a new regime of healthy eating and exercise. Time may be ticking, but you need to make sure you have the best plan before you commit. A chance meeting will excite you. You will seek people who can offer you a different perspective. Strong demands and some ‘hair pulling’ situations are possible for a reasonable cross section of you, with many of you prevailing nicely, possibly with the help. You have big dreams and plans and building ‘too much expectation’ into the week can ruin it!
Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21st Jan. to 18th Feb.
Your ability to keep yourself on track will enable you to reach out to new resources for solutions to nagging problems. Your past experiences will help you to see past facades to find answers. You will know what you need to do to make yourself feel first-class. Put your imagination into everything you carry out. Take this knowledge to the next level and reinvent yourself. An emotional weekend is indicated but many ‘situations’ can be ‘fixed well’.
Pisces Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. By becoming a sales agent at New York Life, you’ll help families achieve the financial security they need and desire. You may also make a significant contribution to your community – and when you see the difference that can make, it’s more fulfilling than you might imagine.
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Your current personal status could be changing for the better. You will need to listen to your heart. Financial opportunities will present themselves at social gatherings. Your future will be in your own hands. Push the envelope, ask questions and seek answers. You will find easy conversation and a comfortable setting will help you to unravel some mysteries. Cooperation is good and a ‘big plan or dream’ may fall ‘easily into place’. A ‘proud moment’ is indicated, especially if you have ‘accomplished youth’ of educating age in the house or a member is ‘promoted, gifted or honored’ in some way.
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VOICE OF ASIA 22
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES & ORGANIZATIONS OF HOUSTON - call Voice of Asia 713-774-5140 ASIE
Shiv Yog
Prog: Annual Dinner Award Ceremony on Friday, June 14, 2013 from 6Pm onwards, at Sankalp Indian Restaurant, 16338, Kensington Dr, Suite 160, Sugar Land TX 77479 Contact:: Vishal Merchant email: asiehouston@gmail. com
Prog: HH Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji, will be conducting a 7-day workshop at Unity Church, 2929 Unity Drive Houston, Texas-77057, beginning June, 26th 2013 to July 3rd 2013. Website: www.shivyog.com or www.shivyogus.com Weekly meditations of Shiv Yog are conducted in Sugar Land. Call 1-609-474-4808.
Hindu Mahasabha of America, Houston Chapter Prog: Hindu Sports Day on SAT., June 22 from 9 AM 5 PM at Woodlands Hindu Temple, 7601 S Forestgate Dr Spring, TX 77382 Contact: Rahul Chandra 713-429-4037 Website: http://www. hmsamerica.org/
VSNA, Houston Prog: Monthly Mahamane event. Puja, Vachana Sahithya discourses, Aarthi and Prasad Contact: vsnahouston@gmail. com/832-545-1185 (Jyoti Biradar) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VSNA.HOUSTON Website: https://sites.google. com/site/bsusorg/home
Hare Krishna Dham (ISKCON) Prog: Jagannath Ratha-yatra or “Festival of Chariots, will be celebrated at Discovery Green on Saturday, July 13th 2013 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Everyday, 7 Aratis and bhoga offerings daily. Sunday Festival: 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Location: 1320 West 34th St, Houston, TX 77018. Contact:281-433-1635/E-mail harekrishnadham@gmail.com Website: www.iskconhouston.org
Sri Krishn Dham
Prog: Lecture by Achrya Sri Charan Das on Bhagavad-Gita on Friday, June 14, 2013, 5 P.M. at 5645 Hillcroft @ Saibabaa Temple #104, Houston, TX 77036 Contact: Sushree Arjun Sang 832-252-7272 for details Website:
QR
Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) Prog: Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Hilton Americas on Sept 21st, 2013 . For more information, call Gala Chair Ramesh Cherivirala at 713875-4336.
BAPS Prog: Location: 1150 Brand Rd. Stafford, TX. Contact: 281-765-2277 Web:
Sri Meenakshi Temple Prog: Location: 17130 McLean Road Pearland, TX 77584 Contact: (281) 489-0358
Arsha Vidya Bharati Prog.:Sanskrit classes and special worship sessions for all ages Location: 2918 Renoir, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Contact: 281-606-5607 or AVB. Houston@gmail.com Web-site: https://sites.google. com/site/avbtexas/classes
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus Samee Mosque Prog: Friday Prayer - 1:30 PM Children’s Classes | Interfaith meeting | Location: 1333 Spears Rd, Houston, TX 77067 Imam - Mohammed Zafarullah Contact : Work: 281-875-3400 | Cell: 713-874-4363
Zafarullah_Hanjra@hotmail. com www.Alislam.org
Ashirwad - A Blessing Temple Prog: Regular prog :Sloka Classes for kids and teens. Location: Katy, Hwy 249 & Sugar Land. Contact: 281.995.0930/ 281.808.2159
Vedanta Society of Greater Houston Prog: Vedanta teachings Sundays at 10:30 AM Location: at 14809 Lindita Dr. Houston, TX -77083. Website: www.vedantahouston. org
Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya Temple Temple Hrs: 9 am to noon and 5 to 9 pm. Sri Astalaksmi puja: 7 pm. Sri Laksmi Archana will be performed on request all day. Location:10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX77498. Phone: 832.541.0059. Website: www.saumyakasi.org;
1:p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Every Thursday Abhishek Location: 16338 Kensington Dr, Ste 110, Sugar Land 77479. Phone: 713-933-8821 / 9359.
Shri Radha Krishna Temple
Gurdwara Sahib of SW Houston Prog: Sundays Dewan 10:00 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Langar Location:14811 Lindita Drive, Houston, TX 77083 Phone: 281-498-5200 Website: www.gurdwaraswh. com
Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple Prog: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra Parayanam: daily 6.30 p.m. Location:10098 Synott Road. Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: 281- 498-2344 Website: www.ashtalakshmi.org
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Patanjali Yogpeeth Center
Prog: Satsang every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: India House, 8888 West Belfort 77031 Phone: (713) 855-9818 for details
Prog: Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun from 8 am to 9:30 am Location: Arya Samaj @Schiller Road.
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Prog: Sandhya Arati at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday: 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Location: 13944 Schiller Road. Contact: 281-597-8100 Website:www.houstondurgabari. org
Gayatri Pariwar of Houston Prog: Sundays Satsang, BalSanskar Shala, from 11am to 1pm. Location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite # 307, Houston, TX 77036. Website: http://www.gayatripariwarhouston.org/ “
Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya Prog: Location: Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land -TX 77498. Contact: 281.568.1690 Website: www.saumyakasi.org
Sri Guruvayurappan Temple Prog: Bhajans: Sat.7:00 -8:00 p.m.; Sundays 9:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.Location: 1620 Ormandy Street, Houston, TX 77035 Contact: 713-729-8994
Shri Satyanarayan Sai Puja Darshan Prog: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to
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Location: 7601 S. Forest Gate Drive at Woodlands Parkway, Spring, TX 77382. Contact: info@woodlandshindutemple.org, 832-585-0001 Website: www.woodlandshindutemple.org.
Prog: Open all days except Thursdays (by appt). Regular Puja and Prasad. Sunday Service 11:30 AM to 1:30 Location: 2223 Wirtcrest Lane Houston TX 77055.
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Hindu Temple of The Woodlands
Prog: Location:10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX77498. Phone: 832.541.0059. Website:www.chinmayahouston. org.
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Prog: Every Friday Satsangh from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Bhajans and Devi Puja, Discourses. Location: 12530 Ann Louise Road, Houston, 77086. Phone: Contact Vishnu at (832) 309- 7181.
Prog: Annual Family Camp “Understanding Joy & Sorrow” on March 29 - 31, 2013 (Good Friday Weekend) Bellville, TX. Location: 14102 Schiller Road, Houston TX 77082 Phone: 281.596.9642 Website: www.jvbhouston.org
Prog: Darshan daily from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.; Aarti daily from 7.45 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Location: 10080 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: 281-530-2565 Web:
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Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Hindu Worship Society
Accountants Accounting, Tax Returns, Cost Accounting, Peachtree, Sales Tax, Franchise Tax.
Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir Prog: Location:3845 West Bellfort, St., Sugar Land, TX 77498 Website: www.babamandir.org
Prog: Location:11625 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072 Phone: 281-933-8100 Website: www.SRKT.org.
QUICK REFERENCE SERVICES DIRECTORY
Certified, Quickbooks Proadvisor
Website: www.jkphouston.org Weekly Radio Program-1460 AM Saturdays 10-11 a.m.
Become a Doctor
209-830-8266; 248-419-0284
EasyMedSchool@yahoo.com www.EasyMedSchool.com
Roofing 522),1* VEEDONE CONSTRUCTION, LLC. - ROOFING Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Fence WIND & HAIL INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALIST
14025 Southwest Fwy. Sugarland.TX 77478 281-242-4242 www.bombaybeijing.com Indian Restaurant
Taste the difference! Cater your next event with us!
Gourmet India - Restaurant & Catering
for home and office parties, Dine in Business Lunches, conferences & parties, On-site dining, corporate lunch packages
Ph: 281-493-5435
India’s Restaurant & Catering
for special parties and corporate events. Preferred Wine list, Authentic vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes, finest Indian cuisine with chef’s special dishes
Ph: 713-266-0131/ 0805
Shiva Indian Restaurant & Catering specializing in North Indian cuisine, Office and Corporate catering.
• 2514 Times Blvd. Rice Village, Ph: 713-523-4753 • 2130 Lone Star Dr. Sugar Land, Ph: 281-494-2981
Visit Us VoiceofAsiaOnline.com
(281) 701-7760 www.VeeDone.com
Call us today! 713-774-5140
VOICE OF ASIA 23
Property Management -Supervisor PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY looking for Supervising help ( Males Only ) in HOUSTON NORTH AREA. KNOWLEDGE OF GUJARATI LANGUAGE PREFERRED. PLEASE, SEND RESUME TO : powerinvest123@gmail.com
CLASSIFIEDS When you find some time, READ!
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Rapidly growing firm, expanding into Asian markets. Seeking individuals with contacts and/or business connections in countries listed below:
• China • India • Malaysia • Indonesia • South Korea • Russia • Japan • Hong Kong • Singapore • Philippines • Taiwan •Thailand • Pakistan • Bangladesh • Laos • Myanmar • Vietnam Contacts can be stateside or overseas. You will be paid anongoing percentage of profits from business generated from these contacts. Pay disbursed daily. • Work from anywhere • Earning potential can exceed $10,000 per month • Flexible hours If you have the contacts and can begin immediately, please call 1-866-431-5306
Pizzeria for Sale In business for 20+ years, Carry out and Delivery only Located Southeast Houston. Low rent, Asking $119K
Call 832-875-5022
HELP WANTED Office in Katy needs female workers in and around katy area to handle office work. Should be multi tasking with basic Computer and Internet skills, will train. Full time flexible working mom hours 8am - 4pm Please email your resume to
rajatriti@yahoo.com or Call us on 832-363-7448
FRIDAY, June 14, 2013
TEMP SPORTS PRODUCER KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX is looking for a TEMPORARY SPORTS PRODUCER to be responsible for gathering, shooting, writing, editing and producing content from the field or inside the newsroom to be presented on multiple platforms including on-air and online. The ideal candidate would be proficient in enterprising sports stories, shooting footage, proficient in ENG/ SNG technology, writing content and using production techniques such as graphics and new forms of media (viewer pictures, webcam interviews, etc.) to enhance stories and produce wellpaced segments under daily pressure. Must be a solid live presenter and be web savvy and can be used as a news gathering asset when called upon by management. The ideal candidate should also have experience producing long form sports shows and specials, 30 to 60 minutes in length. Candidates must have 3 to 5 years of television reporting/photography experience; with a college degree in journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, must demonstrate experience in shooting, writing, non-linear editing and on-air presentation skills as well as have the ability to work under pressure in a fast paced and deadline driven environment. Current valid driver’s license and excellent driving history required. For consideration, all interested applicants must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. If you thrive on sports and enjoy a fast paced environment please send examples of video photography, including game action, along with editing and sportscasts and/or sports segments that you have produced to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 112113BR on all materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.
SPORTS PRODUCER
READ DAILY! 15 - 30 minutes of reading daily helps your brain focus better. Grab a novel! A Community message from Voice of Asia Group
KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX is looking for a SPORTS PRODUCER to be responsible for gathering, shooting, writing, editing and producing content from the field or inside the newsroom to be presented on multiple platforms including on-air and online. The ideal candidate would be proficient in enterprising sports stories, shooting footage, proficient in ENG/SNG technology, writing content and using production techniques such as graphics and new forms of media (viewer pictures, webcam interviews, etc.) to enhance stories and produce well-paced segments under daily pressure. Must be a solid live presenter and be web savvy and can be used as a news gathering asset when called upon by management. The ideal candidate should also have experience producing long form sports shows and specials, 30 to 60 minutes in length. Candidates must have 3 to 5 years of television reporting/photography experience; with a college degree in journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, must demonstrate experience in shooting, writing, non-linear editing and on-air presentation skills as well as have the ability to work under pressure in a fast paced and deadline driven environment. Current valid driver’s license and excellent driving history required. For consideration, all interested applicants must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. If you thrive on sports and enjoy a fast paced environment please send examples of video photography, including game action, along with editing and sportscasts and/or sports segments that you have produced to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 111796BR on all materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.