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VOICE OF ASIA 2
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LETTERS
Insensitive remark This refers to the report “CBI Director’s rape remark triggers row” (Nov. 13). Already, there has been much debate on the topic and the government has been adequately censured for being very insensitive in matters relating to the frequent and unfortunate occurrences of assault on women. Given this, senior officers should be very cautious in making remarks. In an era where social media are hyperactive, they must remember that they will live to rue the day. Vathsala Jayaraman, Chennai Mr. Ranjit Sinha’s remark on rape have shocked the nation as a whole and those who are struggling every day to try and enable a safer environment for Indian women to live and work in. If the top official of a premier agency can make such an insensitive and distasteful remark, and that too out of context, and then make it worse by trivialising such a crime in an offhand manner, what can we expect from lower rank personnel who are supposed to deal directly with victims of rape? More than the enactment of a battery of laws to protect women, sensitising enforcement authorities to the impact of such crimes on victims is more important. Rameeza A. Rasheed, Chennai
Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $30 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074 It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. - The Publisher
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ndividuals and issues that are making and faking news.
There are any number of things that are guaranteed to ruin our day. Now, thanks to 24/7 television, it’s become an endless parade, enough to make you want to immigrate to Mars, now we know we can get there, or better still, Jupiter, where there is apparently something called escape velocity. Here is my list of the most irritating sights. Politicians asking for votes: If you are unfortunate enough to be in a state preparing for elections, you will be in quite a state. Normally, they treat you like they would a domestic servant, but come election, and they arrive looking like a cross between Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, promising you free electricity, water, laptops, TV sets, jobs for the family, reservations in colleges, cheap rice and vegetables (minus onions), riches beyond your dreams and other incentives. Entertaining, but irritating since it’s manifestly false.
C
hidambaram quotes Maulana, says Patel agreed to partition before Nehru, GandhiJoining debate with BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi over partition, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, on MOnday, quoted excerpts from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s book to say that Sardar Patel had agreed to the idea of division of the country before Nehru and Gandhi. “Lord Mountbatten was extremely intelligent and could read the minds of all his Indian colleagues. The moment he found (Sardar Vallabhai) Patel amenable to his idea, he put out all the charm and power of his personality to win over the Sardar. “As soon as Sardar Patel had been convinced, Lord Mountbatten turned his attention to Jawaharlal. Jawaharlal was not at first at all willing and reacted violently against the very idea of partition, but Lord Mountbatten persisted till step by step Jawaharlal’s opposition was worn down,” he said quoting at length from Azad’s book ‘India Wins Freedom’.Chidambaram’s observation came a day after Modi accused Congress of committing the “sin” of partition and ignoring other heroes of the freedom struggle at the cost of Nehru- Gandhi family. “Mr Prime Minister, I am aware that it is not in your hands what you should say or not say. But the country wants to know who changed the geography of India.
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
The most irritating sights and sounds
Social media abbreviations: Social media, especially Twitter with its restriction on letters, has turned us all into walking acronyms. We say BTW for By the Way, AFAIK for As Far as I Know, AAMOF, which stands for As a Matter of Fact. In net lingo, **// means wink, wink, nudge nudge, then there are hashtags to add to the confusion, and to further confound it, there are some acronyms which actually mean different things. LOL means Laughing out Loud as well as Lots of Love and, more confusingly, BTW stands for By The Way as well as Bring The Wheelchair! It leaves me SMH (Shaking My Head). Diwali bonus seekers: The most irritating breed of all; they seem to crawl out of every crack and crevice every year at Diwali time, all frozen in the same pose — arms outstretched and faces expectant. Some, like flu and taxes, are unavoidable. It’s the ones you only see one day a
year that bug you the most, and include the woman who claims she cleans your street, the man who says he tends the park near your house, and an assortment of others who all claim to be providing you some service though you have never seen any of them in your life.
Cricket commentators-turnedpoets: Call it the Tendulkar Effect but now that the little big man is hanging up his bat, cricket commentators have gone all poetic and misty eyed, making the god of cricket the king of hyperbole. Even hardened commentators who are usually miserly with praise, have been finding new Sachin superlatives in between wiping their tears, chocking up on nostalgia and brushing up on their synonyms. Saurav Ganguly even christened him the “Son of India” which has left us quite confused since we were taught that Mahatma Gandhi was the Father of the Nation. And, there’s still
Our Credentials:
Recorded messages: What happened to all those people who manned the phones at offices, utility companies and service providers? The short answer: they have been replaced by a recording. There’s nothing more irritating than calling someone at their office and a recorded voice asking you to press a variety of numbers and then asking you to call the right extension number, which you would have if only you had known it in the first place. Try calling a service provider to complain and you get the same digital run around till you finally hang up in frustration. It’s fiendishly clever, since you can’t yell and scream at a recording, and the option you want is usually not among those that are offered. It’s also a lot cheaper and settles the question of machine versus man. Machines win, big time. (Source: Bangkokpost. com)
Chidambaram quotes Maulana, says Patel agreed to partition before Nehru, Gandhi
India’s Finance Minister P Chidambaram among all communities, particularly between Hindus and Muslims.” The government, Chidambaram said had awarded Bharat Ratna to Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India,
posthumously in 1992. Reading Azad’s book, he further said, “When I (Azad) became aware that Lord Mountbatten was thinking in terms of dividing India and had persuaded Jawaharlal and Patel, I was deeply distressed. I rea-
The village in which you were born was a part of Hindustan. Today it is not. Who changed the geography. Who broke this country into pieces?” Modi had said. Chidambaram retorted by saying, “A fair reading of the... account (provided by Azad) will show that partition was forced upon the country due to the intransigence of Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Lord M o u n t b a t t e n ’s plan to safeguard British interests.” Recalling the contribution of Azad, Chidambaram said, “He was an Indian and a Muslim. He was a nationalist, patriot and totally secular. More than anyone else he was able to foresee the consequences of the two-nation theory. He was a passionate advocate, until the very last, of the unity of India. “He was able to reflect the true feelings of millions of people both within and outside the Congress party. He had always fought for the unity and independence of India and for love and brotherhood
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lised that the country was moving towards a great danger. Now that Sardar Patel and even Jawaharlal Nehru had become supporters of partition, Gandhiji remained my only hope. “...But when I met Gandhiji again, I received the greatest shock of my life, for I found that he too had changed. He was still not openly in favour of partition but he no longer spoke so vehemently against it. What surprised and shocked me even more was that he began to repeat the arguments which Sardar Patel had already used. For over two hours I pleaded with him but could make no impression on him.” Finally, Gandhi also agreed to the idea of partition, the resolution was passed by the AICC with 29 members for it and 15 against, Azad wrote adding, “even Gandhiji’s appeal could not persuade more members to vote for the partition of the country!” (Source: IBNLIVE)
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VOICE OF ASIA 4
25th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
The People’s Lawyer www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center
Landlord has the right to not renew your lease Q. I have lived in the same apartment for 6 years. I am a good tenant and always pay my rent on time. Can my landlord just refuse to renew my lease with no explanation? A. As a general rule, either the landlord or the tenant can chose not to renew a lease with no explanation. For example, if you wanted to move, you could just tell the landlord “I’m not renewing my lease.� If he asked why, you could say “none of your business.� Similarly, the landlord can decide not to renew your lease and require you to move. He cannot refuse to renew the lease, however, based on race sex age or religion, or the fact that you asserted your legal right to have your apartment repaired. Q. I am an hourly employee. I always put in eight hours a day and do my job well. Can I be fired for not working over-time? A. Yes, you could be fired if you refused to work when your employer requested. Basically, an employer may set the hours employees work. An employer may require you to work more than forty hours a week. All that the law requires is that you be paid overtime for any hours in excess of forty. Q. Is it legal for me to act as an agent for a company from outside the US? The company will have their customers mail checks to me in my name, I cash the checks, keep a percentage of the original, and send the remainder to company? This sounds like a great opportunity. A. It does sound like a great opportunity, and as my father used to say, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.� There is nothing illegal about representing a company from outside of the U.S. for the purpose of collecting payments. In this case, however, this offer probably is a scam. Without going into the details, what will happen is the checks you receive eventually will bounce after you have forwarded your money to the company. You will then have to return all the money you received from the bank. The bottom line will be you are out a lot of money. My advice is to ignore all of these get rich quick, work-at-home, schemes. Q. My apartment was recently flooded from a water leak in the apartment above mine. The landlord paid to have my rugs cleaned. I asked him to pay for the cost of cleaning my furniture and he refused. He said that either the upstairs tenant or I would have to pay. It is his apartment, why isn’t he responsible? A. Just because the landlord owns the apartment does not mean he is responsible for any damage that occurs. Basically, a landlord is responsible only for damage that either is caused by his breach of the lease or his negligence. A landlord is not liable for damage caused by an accident, another person’s negligence, or act of God. That is why all tenants are encouraged to obtain renter’s insurance. For example, if the landlord knows about a faulty pipe and does not take reasonable steps to repair it, or does not properly maintain the plumbing, he may be liable for any damage that results when a pipe leaks. On the other hand, if a pipe simply begins to leak, or an upstairs tenant clogs a drain causing an overflow, the landlord is not responsible. In fact, if the leak was caused by the negligence of the upstairs’ tenant, the tenant would be liable. The landlord replaced the carpet because he owns the carpet. I suggest you find out the circumstances surrounding the leak. Unless you can establish some “fault� on the part of the landlord, he probably is not responsible for the costs of cleaning your furniture. Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Visit my website, www.peopleslawyer.net
Young Star Shines The Theater This article is reproduced from the Voice of Asia newsweekly archives in commemorations of its 25th anniversary. Published date: October 15, 1988 aturday was a big day for Indhu Mathi Subramanian for she had her Arangetram (debut) as a dancer in Bharatha Natyam and Kachupudi. Indhu, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.K. Subramanian of Sugarland, is currently a junior, honor student at Clements High School. She was born on Oct. 6, 1972 and began learning Bharatha Natyam at the age of six under the guidance of Mrs. Mani in Pittsburgh, Penn. During the summer of 1984, she attended an intensive training camp in the style of Kuchipudi conducted by Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam (Director, Kuchipudi Arts Academy, Madras, India). After moving to Houston in January, 1985, Indhu continued her dance classes under the guidance of talented teachers, Mrs. Padmini Chari and Mrs. Ratna Kumar in Bhara-
S
tha Natyam and in Kuchipudi styles respectively.
adding a new dimension to the repertorie of Bharatanatyam.
Last summer Indhu also spent two months in Madras, India, learning vigorously several dances under renowned Guru Kalaimamani Sri Adyar K. Lakshman (Founder-Director, Bharata Choodamani Academy of Fine Arts, Madras, India).
Not only is Indhu a dancer but is also very active in several clubs such as the Jets, Math Club and French Honor Society. She has participated in many tournaments and has received ďŹ rst place trophies in Chemistry and Mathematics. Indhu has also been chosen for the past tow years for the “Who’s Who Among American High School Studentsâ€? Award.
It was her good fortune that this renowned guru could also be present at her Arangetram held at the Jewish Community Center on Oct. 1. Sri Adyar K. Lakshman has received the UNESCO award for his brilliant compositions including Ragam, Talam and Pallavi, thus
By Anand Alagappan Date of Publication: October 15, 1988
INDIA CULTURE CENTER, HOUSTON (ICC) NOTICE 2013 India Culture Center, Houston (ICC) is requesting Nominations for ICC Board of Directors (8 positions for 2 year term) and Trustees (2 positions for 3 year term) 1. At-Large Board of Directors The nomination must be proposed, seconded and signed by paid members of ICC. The candidate must be a paid member of ICC as of AUGUST 31, 2013. The mailing address, phone number and e-mail addresses of all three (Nominee, Nominator and Seconder) must be provided in the nomination, signed by the nominee as well which should be faxed to the Chairman of the Election Committee and also mailed along with a non refundable processing fee of $25 to the address below and should reach by November 30, 2013. Postmark will not be considered. Checks to be payable to ICC. Incomplete forms will not be considered. ICC By laws are available on www.icchouston.org Requirements and QualiďŹ cations A nominator can nominate only one candidate though he or she can second multiple nominations. The elections for Board of Directors will be conducted on DECEMBER 15th, 2013 (Sunday) at 2 pm at India House, 8888 West Bellfort Houston, TX-77031. You can download the Forms from ICC website(www.icchouston.org) 2. Nominations for Trustees The nominations should be faxed and also should be mailed by any paid member of ICC for Trustee position and should reach the election OfďŹ cial no later than November 30, 2013. A simple form with your name and nominee names, address, phone number and e-mail address. The Trustee candidate should meet one of the following eligibility criteria. Person can nominate by member self, resume should be attached. a. Must be a Past President of ICC OR b. Must have had a distinguished record of past services to ICC, Partnering Organizations or Community at Large. Attach Resume to validate qualiďŹ cations. The Annual General Body Meeting of India Culture Center Houston (ICC) will be held on Sunday the 15th of December 2013 at the India House at 2pm. This will be followed by the ICC Board of Directors election (see separate Election Committee Notice).
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* Only 6 nominees will be presented to the board of directors for consideration. Committee will consider one past president and one person with distinguished record as written in the qualiďŹ cations. Election Committee has right to accept or reject any or all nominees by majority vote of Committee. Rejected nominees will be informed in advance.
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VOICE OF ASIA 6
COMMUNITY
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
ISKCON of Houston Celebrates Grand Diwali, Ushers In New Year With Govardhan Puja
by Ravinder Yerram Photos: K R Thejas & Nagalla Nagaraj SKCON of Houston, Hare Krishna Dham witnessed grand celebrations of Diwali and Govardhan Puja (New Year) during the past weekends. Festivities for Diwali began last Sunday and more than 1,000 guests started streaming in for the occasion to celebrate Diwali - Lord Ram’s arrival after conquering the evil. The temple premises looked very festive and lively with splendid floral decorations. Main altar was decorated with 100s of diyas (lamps) and glittering crystal curtains forming a backdrop for the deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Nilamadhava and Sri Giriraj Govardhan, adorned in the finest purple and yellow colored outfits. The program embarked on the perfect note with ecstatic kirtan by HG RamaGiridhari Das and local youth group. An insightful and informative talk was given by Her Grace Urmila Devi Dasi (Dr. Edith Best, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership) on the significance of the Diwali and lights with pastimes of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna and set in a divine atmosphere for the evening. Devotees eagerly waiting in a tightly packed temple room were not disappointed when the curtains finally opened for a breathtaking darshan of the deities in a candle-lit altar. The candlelight aarti accompanied by roaring kirtan, immersed everyone present in bliss. A scrumptious vegetarian feast perfectly completed the evening. The following day saw quite a congregation for the morning 4.30 am mangala aarti to ring in the festivities for Govardhan Puja and New Year. The highlight of the evening program was the much awaited Abhishek of the Giriraj Govardhan deity with various choice items accompanied by melodious kirtan and bhajans. A multimedia presentation on Govardhan Hill pastimes by HG Urmila Devi Dasi with beautiful images was followed with everyone meditating on the Govardhan Hill.
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The darshan of the deities on this day was very unique since large variety of food items were offered at the altar and the delicacies were then distributed out as prasadam for everyone to savor. At the end everyone was served with delicious feasting. The extended celebration went on past Sunday evening included: a tarangam Kuchipudi performance with brass plate and water pot by Anjali Center student, a violin performance, bhajan and dance by sunday school children. HG Urmila Devi Dasi took everyone on a guided journey of Shyam Kund and Radha Kund in the holy dham of Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani performed many of their pastimes. The evening culminated with a parikrama of the Anna Kuta (Mountain of Food), made from umpteen vegetarian items. Cupcakes, cookies, laddoos, barfi, halava and more were all laid out to make huge Govardhan hill. Under the govardhan hill, Lord Krishna and attracted vraja vasis characters were arranged. A scrumptious vegetarian feast perfectly served for all guests in the evening. As an added bonus, on these very auspicious days devotees had the opportunity to offer hand held ghee lamps lovingly to the Lord as part of the observance of Damodar vrata in this special month of Kartik. All in all, this festival of lights and Govardhan Puja at Houston of ISKCON brought to the community a very enjoyable spiritual extravaganza. We wish to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the Hare Krishna Dham Houston at 1320 W 34th St, Houston TX 77018 (713 686 4482) or visit http://www.iskconhouston.org for more details. TOP: Sri Sri Radha Nilamadhava adorned in the finest, most elaborate purple color outfits shine brightly in the light from the diyas (lights) spread around the alter. BOTTOM: Abhishek of the Giriraj Govardhan deity being performed.
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 8
Chinmaya Prabha shines with Dipavali prayers
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
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The priest of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, Shri Ganeshji, Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty and Acharya Darshana Nanavaty perfoming Laksmi puja. Photo by Nilesh Shah
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emphasized that every one of the 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi in the ashtottara puja was truly valuable. Since Lakshmi stays where Lord Mahavishnu is invoked, the chanting of Vishnusahasranama (the 1000 names of the Lord Vishnu) during the auspicious time of Dipavali is very signiďŹ cant. Further, Acharya Gaurangbhai highlighted how it is the grace of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda that illuminates every Dipavali at Chinmaya Prabha. After the Acharya’s address laid the contemplative foundation, the priest of Saumyakasi Sivalaya, Shri Ganeshji, conducted the Lakshmi Ashtottara puja as Acharya Gaurangbhai and Acharya Darshanaben Nanavaty ofďŹ ciated for the gathering. The Smriti Hall reverberated when all devotees chanted the Vishnu Sahasranama with great devotion. When all the families arose after the puja to raise their arati plates in worship, the rows of waving lights made Dipavali 2013 arrive at Chinmaya Prabha. Then, in beďŹ tting conclusion, the families offered their individual pranams to Acharyas Gaurangbhai and Darshanben Nanavaty who have guided Chinmaya Mission Houston since 1987. To keep
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pavali readily ďŹ lled the air. Rows of devotees sat eagerly in the Smriti Hall, and the families overowed into the adjacent Saraswati Nilayam to participate in the puja. On an elegantly set stage, the deities Lord Mahavishnu and Mahalakshmi seemed powerfully alive, adorned with beautiful ower garlands. Matching their presence, the life-sized pratima of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda in the foyer of Chinmaya Prabha looked resplendent as the many lamps lit at his feet signaled the right beginning to the event. Across the courtyard, the divine idols of the glorious Saumyakasi Sivalaya radiated the enlightening touch of Dipavali. In his apt Dipavali message to the Chinmaya Houston family, Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty described Dipavali as a time for internal evaluation. Just as material proďŹ t accrues when assets are increased and liabilities are dropped, our spiritual life will have greater gains when we ďŹ ll our lives with love, forgiveness, and other positive emotions, and empty our negativities. Positive, enriching qualities are the true wealth that Goddess Lakshmi bestows along with material prosperity to sincere aspirants. Thus, the Acharya
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by Padmashree Rao amps, Prayers, Dipavali wishes. Chinmaya Prabha Houston shone bright on November 3, 2013, when over 800 families gathered to celebrate the always-awaited grand Hindu festival of lights. Every year, as the expanding Chinmaya family in Houston convenes in the festive atmosphere of Dipavali, the excited smiles and wishes, the vibrant colors, and the beautifully decorated lamps take on a pious hue. The social and cultural charm of the popular Dipavali festival gets enhanced by the Chinmaya way of celebration – with the reective and grateful spirit of puja. The tradition of the Dipavali puja at Chinmaya Prabha has twin signiďŹ cance. Not only are the protective grace of Lord Maha Vishnu and the showering grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi invoked in an ardent puja, but the guiding grace of the Guru is revered and celebrated. So, that bright morning, when young and old dressed in sparkling smiles and cheerful Indian clothes walked into Chinmaya Prabha carrying owers, lamps and their own carefully decorated puja plates, the real essence of Di-
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the spiritual ame burning bright in Chinmaya Prabha, the families also offered their Gurudakshina, giving thanks for the blessings of the Chin-
maya Guru Parampara. The spiritual sparkle of Dipavali at Chinmaya Prabha brightened the way for a prosperous new year ahead.
For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, please visit www.chinmayahouston.org or contact Bharati Sutaria at 281-933-0233.
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SOUTH ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 10
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
Top Indian cop ‘regrets’ rape Wise Prize Laureate Dr. Madhav Chavan to speak at the 2013 IIT remark Global Conference in Houston
Dr. Madhav Chavan
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Ranjit Sinha -- director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) -- speaks to the media in New Delhi, on December 3, 2012 (AFP/File, Sajjad Hussain) NEW DELHI, November 13, 2013 (AFP) - India’s top federal police officer apologised Wednesday after being condemned by women’s rights group for making a clumsy rape analogy during a public appearance. Ranjit Sinha, director of the federal Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was arguing Tuesday that the state should overturn its ban on betting because it was not enforceable. Speaking in halting English, which is his second language, he appeared to then acknowledge that this argument could not be made for all crimes. “It is very easy to say if you can’t enforce it...it is like, ‘If you can’t prevent rape, you enjoy it’,” he said. For betting, “it is better to have something, legalise it and
Britian asks Sri Lanka to probe sexual violence COLOMBO, November 13, 2013 (AFP) - Britain on Wednesday asked Sri Lanka to probe allegations that hundreds of men and women had been sexually assaulted by government forces during and after the island’s drawn-out ethnic war. Foreign Secretary William Hague told a public meeting in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo that Britain was concerned that noone had been held accountable for rights abuses, including sexual assault and the use of rape to extract confessions. He said there had been credible allegations, including those from a UN Panel of Experts, that Sri Lankan troops used sexual violence during their war against Tamil rebels and afterward. “I will be urging the Sri Lankan government to investigate these cases as they deserve,” Hague said. The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported earlier this year that Sri Lankan security forces continue to use rape and other forms of sexual violence to torture suspected Tamil rebels four years after the end of the island’s civil war. HRW also claimed widespread rape of detainees during the separatist conflict that ended in May 2009. Hague said there had been “progress” in economic development, clearing land mines and re-integrating some of the former rebels back in society. But he said no-one had been held accountable for sexual crimes during and after the war ended. “To date, nobody has been held to account for crimes of sexual violence,” he said ahead of a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Colombo on Friday. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is leading a boycott of the summit. The prime ministers of India and Mauritius are also staying away from the meeting over Sri Lanka’s human rights record. British premier David Cameron has also been under pressure to boycott the event, but he has promised to have “tough conversations” with President Mahinda Rajapakse about issues of accountability. International rights groups say up to 40,000 civilians were killed by government forces in the final months of fighting in 2009, but the government has denied it killed a single civilian and has resisted calls for an international probe.
earn some revenue, rather than throwing your hands up and let things happen,” he continued. The reference to enjoying rape, seized on by the local media, led to condemnations from women’s rights campaigners, leading Sinha to apologise on Thursday. “I regret any hurt caused as the same was unintended and inadvertent. I reiterate my deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues,” Sinha said. Sinha added he was seeking to say that betting should be legalised and “laws cannot be enforced. That does not mean that laws should not be made.” India has become hugely
sensitive to gender issues since the fatal gangrape of a student in New Delhi last December stirred nationwide protests about violence to women and prompted calls for profound changes in social attitudes. “Such an irresponsible and insensitive comment is simply inexcusable,” tweeted Indian drug company Biocon’s female chief executive Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, saying Sinha had “rendered himself unfit to hold this office”. Communist leader Brinda Karat went further, urging prosecution of the CBI director, saying trivialisation of such a crime as rape sends “a very wrong message. He has no right to continue in office”.
OUSTON- (Nov. 10, 2013) - CoFounder and CEO of Pratham, Dr. Madhav Chavan, will be in Houston to speak at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) 2013 Global Conference “Sustainability, Technology, Energy, Education and Life Sciences/Health,” happening on December 6-8, 2013 at the Hilton Americas. Dr. Chavan, who is the 2012 recipient of the prestigious WISE Award in Education, will be participating in a panel discussion on issues facing K-12 education. A chemist by profession, Dr. Chavan has spent the past 20 years bringing attention to the systemic problem of education for India’s poor and innovating solutions in primary education that can be rapidly expanded to have maximum impact. “We are delighted to have Dr. Chavan sharing his
unique insights and experiences,” said Witty Bindra, Chair of the conference. “Dr. Chavan is a well-recognized name in the Indian diaspora. His attending the conference will bring a lot of value for the IITians and Houstonians in the audience.” When asked about taking part in the panel Dr. Chavan responded, “Considering that I could not get into IIT, it is great to be participating in this conference! I am looking forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas related to India’s education scenario.” “Providing excellent education that is accessible to all members of the society is the “holy grail” of early and K-12 education in the US, India, and around the world,” said Shail Kumar, co-leader of the Education Program track for the conference. “Pratham has created a sustainable model that serves the under-served communities on a large scale. Having Dr. Chavan in the early and K-12 panel at the IIT 2013 Global Conference will make the discussion even more valuable and inspiring,” he added. Joining Dr. Chavan on the panel are President of Pearson Education’s Science, Business & Technology Division, Paul F. Corey; Co-Founder of KIPP and Superintendent KIPP Houston, Mike Feinberg; and Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya, Ranjani Saigal. The panel will take
place on Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 10:30-11:45 AM CST at the Hilton Americas and will be moderated by University Provost, Dr. George McLendon. For more information on the education panel, IIT Global Conference and how to participate, please visit www.iit2013.org. ABOUT PRATHAM Pratham was established in 1994 to provide pre-school education to underprivileged children in the city of Mumbai. Madhav Chavan and Farida Lambay co-founded the organization with support from UNICEF and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Together, they built a grassroots team around a simple mission: “every child in school and learning well.” Today, Pratham is India’s largest non-governmental organization in education, working in 20 states across India, reaching over 1.5 million children annually. ABOUT PRATHAM USA Pratham USA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building awareness and raising resources for education reform in India. Pratham USA has chapters in 14 US cities, with supporters representing a range of individuals and organizations that share a strong personal commitment to improving child literacy. For more information, visit us at www. prathamusa.org.
ASIA
VOICE OF ASIA 11
Leaked Asia trade text sees US backing firms
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
Filipinos camp outside consulate waiting to leave Saudi
drugs. In a separate section, the United States and Australia are marked as opposing moves to limit liability of Internet service providers for copyright infringement that takes place over their networks. Obama has argued that the Trans-Pacific Partnership will create US jobs by enhancing exports while ensuring top-notch labor and environmental standards. The United States is seeking broader protections for its pharmaceutical and other companies in negotiations on an ambitious Pacific trade deal, according to a document released Wednesday by WikiLeaks (AFP/File, Fabrice Coffrini) by Shaun TANDON
W
ASHINGTON, November 13, 2013 (AFP) - The United States is seeking broader protections for its pharmaceutical and other companies in negotiations on an ambitious Pacific trade deal, according to a document released Wednesday by WikiLeaks. Julian Assange’s anti-secrecy activist website published what it said was the draft text as of late August for a chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is being negotiated among 12 countries that comprise more than 40 percent of the world economy. The text shows widespread disagreements among negotiators, despite calls from President Barack Obama to seal the agreement by the end of the year. Talks are scheduled to resume Tuesday in Salt Lake City, Utah. In multiple passages in the documents, the United States is seen as pressing for greater leeway for companies to seek patents in the medical field, a move that could potentially restrict cheaper generic drugs in the vast area. In the notes, most nations part ways with the United States and
support two-decade-old exemptions under the World Trade Organization for patents in certain areas related to public health. The text also shows that the United States and Japan are seeking to restrict nations from denying patents on the argument that products do not result in “enhanced efficacy.” Generic drug leader India, which is not part of the TransPacific Partnership, has cited that reason to deny patent protections, enraging major pharmaceutical companies. Public Citizen, a Washington advocacy group critical of globalization, charged that the Trans-Pacific Partnership marked a step backward and would lock consumers into high prices for medication. “The Obama administration’s shameful bullying on behalf of the giant drug companies would lead to preventable suffering and death in Asia-Pacific countries,” Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizen’s global access to medicines program, said in a statement. Pharmaceutical companies have traditionally argued that they need revenue from their inventions to fund further research into potentially life-saving
A spokeswoman for the US Trade Representative’s office declined comment on the content or authenticity of the document released by WikiLeaks, saying that negotiations were ongoing. But the leak renewed concerns among Obama’s political base, which has complained it has not been consulted on negotiations. In a letter Wednesday, 151 House of Representative members from his Democratic Party opposed granting so-called “fast-track” authority that would give the Obama administration greater authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, with Congress still voting up-or-down but unable to revise the text. “We are deeply committed to transforming US trade policy into a tool for creating and retaining family-wage jobs in America, safeguarding the environment, maintaining consumer protection and improving the quality of life throughout the country,” the lawmakers wrote to Obama. The text released by WikiLeaks did not cover agriculture, an area which the trade pact has concerned groups ranging from US Midwestern dairy farmers to Japanese rice farmers. Many officials view the TransPacific Partnership not only as an economic but as a geopolitical tool. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in deciding to enter talks, spoke of ensuring Tokyo’s role in shaping the future of a region marked by China’s rise.
A Filipino illegal worker poses outside his makeshift tent set up on a main street outside the consulate on November 13, 2013 in the coastal seaport city of JeddahA Filipino illegal worker poses outside his makeshift tent set up on a main street outside the consulate on November 13, 2013 in the coastal seaport city of Jeddah
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EDDAH, November 13, 2013 (AFP) - Some 300 Filipinos have been camping outside their consulate in Jeddah for weeks waiting for documents and help to leave Saudi Arabia, as a crackdown on illegal migrants intensifies. “I’ve been staying here for more than three weeks,” said Renato, 42, on Wednesday, as he sat on the pavement, outside a tent made of worn bed sheets. He said he was waiting for the help from his consulate in Jeddah to obtain a Saudi exit visa, but also needed money to buy a ticket home.
tres until their deportation papers are sorted.
leave after failing to legalise their status.
Another roughly four million were able to find employers to sponsor them.
The Filipino consul general in Jeddah, Uriel Garibay, told AFP the mission is helping citizens get the documents they need “to facilitate their leave.”
Among them were foreigners who overstayed their visas, pilgrims who had sought jobs, and migrants working under one sponsor trying to get jobs elsewhere.
Many of those migrants have expired passports and need consulate identification papers.
Having an official sponsor is a legal requirement in Saudi Arabia and most other Gulf states.
There are around one million Philippine workers in Saudi Arabia.
Renato is one of those who had a sponsor and a valid residency permit, but worked for someone other that his sponsor.
Expatriates account for a full nine million of the oil-rich kingdom’s population of 27 million.
“We can’t buy travel tickets, so we are waiting for our deportation,” he told AFP, as nearly a million illegal migrants took advantage of a seven-month amnesty and quit the kingdom.
“I couldn’t find another sponsor,” he said.
Since the amnesty expired on November 4, authorities have been rounding up foreigners who have stayed behind illegally and are holding them in special cen-
“My son fell ill, and I still can’t find treatment for him,” he said.
Among the rag tents sat Elie, his wife Mati and their four-yearold son, are waiting for exit documents.
Both had jobs, but they also had the wrong sponsor, so they had to
The lure of work, even in lowpaid jobs as domestics or construction workers, has made the country a magnet for migrants from Asia as well as from poorer Arab states. Despite its huge oil wealth, Saudi Arabia has a jobless rate of more than 12.5 percent among its native population, a figure the government has long sought to cut.
VOICE OF ASIA 12
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
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VOICE OF ASIA 13
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
Vol. 26
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Friday, November 15, 2013
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India set for emotional Tendulkar finale
Tendulkar announced on Thursday that he will retire from the Tests following his 200th test match. (PTI Photo) by Kuldip Lal
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EW DELHI, (AFP) - Sachin Tendulkar is set for an emotional farewell when he plays his 200th and final Test at home in Mumbai from Thursday, exactly 24 years after he began his recordbreaking career. Former team-mates, one-time opponents and even his mother will join fans at the Wankhede stadium to acclaim the world’s leading Test and one-day batsman, and the only one to score 100 international centuries. Speaking at a function on Monday to celebrate his career, Tendulkar gave some insight into the famous work ethic that has enabled him to play on to the age of 40, long beyond his contemporaries. “I think every step was different, every tournament required different type of preparations,” he said in Mumbai. “Without preparations, things wouldn’t have been the same.” Since making his debut as a 16-year-old in Karachi in 1989, Tendulkar has become almost a deity for the billion-plus population of India, helping the country win the 2011 World Cup and reach the top of the world rankings.
After racking up a staggering 15,847 runs in his 199 Tests, even his rivals acknowledge that Tendulkar is second only to Sir Donald Bradman in the pantheon of batting greats. In his final interview before he died in 2001, the Australian said that Tendulkar was the one modern player who came closest to his own legendary batting style. “It was just his compactness, his stroke production, his technique, it all seemed to gel as far as I was concerned,” Bradman said in the 1996 interview. Brian Lara, one of Tendulkar’s few rivals at the highest summit of the modern game, has flown into India to watch the Indian’s final farewell against the West Indies. “When I speak about cricket, I will speak about Tendulkar,” the former West Indian batsman said. “Just like you mention Mohammad Ali when you mention boxing and Michael Jordan when it comes to basketball.” Some television channels have been showing wall-to-wall highlights of Tendulkar’s greatest moments since the weekend, and the build-up to his last match has dominated the front as well as the back pages.
ASIANET
Schools children hold up a larger than life poster of Sachin Tendulkar Billboards and murals of Tendulkar have been sprouting across India as the country prepares to bid goodbye to a man whose off-pitch humility as well as his on-field achievements are a source of national pride. Such has been the clamour for tickets that the main online vendor collapsed within minutes of sales opening on Monday. Organisers say they could have sold out many times over.
to keep his place in the team despite such a barren run of form “only because he is Sachin Tendulkar”.
Tendulkar’s aged mother, Rajni, will be watching her son for the first time after organisers built a special ramp to accommodate her wheelchair at the Wankhede.
The last of his 51 Test centuries came way back in January 2011 against South Africa.
But Ganguly, who captained Tendulkar for a large chunk of his career, said that his former teammate’s greatness was not in doubt.
The superstitious Rajni has previously worried that her presence at a match would bring Sachin bad luck.
“If I was in his shoes, I would have gone a year earlier,” former skipper Sourav Ganguly said at the weekend. Ganguly said the man dubbed the “Little Master” had managed
“But for me, it does not matter whether he gets a hundred or not in his final Test. He will still be one of the best. He will always be a champion.”
Tendulkar’s technique is the best in the world: Lara
“And as we say cricket has been my religion and Sachin is my God. So everything revolves around Sachin, so any, all happiness, sadness, you know, go along with how he does on the field and off the field,” he told AFP.
While praising Tendulkar’s impeccable longevity, Lara said it would have been hard for the champion batsman to fulfil the huge expectations of his fans during his two-and-a-half decade career.
Even Britain’s Prince Charles, currently visiting India, has been caught up in the hype.
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For all his record-breaking feats, it has not gone unnoticed that Tendulkar has struggled for form in recent years.
“Basically Sachin means everything to me because cricket has been my life,” said Yatin Joshi, a self-styled “Sachin Superfan” who lives in Tendulkar’s hometown.
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“He is a master. I wish him a very happy retirement,” Charles responded when asked by reporters about Tendulkar’s final Test.
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Terming retiring Sachin Tendulkar’s batting technique as the best in the world, legendary West Indian cricketer Brian Lara on Tuesday said if he had a son he would have asked him to learn from the videos of the master blaster to excel in the sport. “If I had a son who wanted to play cricket I wouldn’t have told him not to watch my videos but instead ask him to look for Sachin’s (videos) as he has the perfect technique against
any kind of bowling. It is the best I have ever seen. Perfect for a youngster to learn from,” Lara said.
“His longevity is amazing. He started couple of years ahead of me and ended six after I retired. These 24 years are testimony to his skills,
dedication and fitness level. His zeal while playing for India was simply amazing. I know he has had a tough playing for 1.3 billion people,” Lara said at an event ‘Salam Sachin’, organised by India Today Group in honour of the legendary batsman. Lara felt that Tendulkar deserved every bit of adulation before his final hurrah at his home ground at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (PTI)
Young Life
VOICE OF ASIA 14
Friday, November 15, 2013
Section 2
Email: voiceasia@aol.com
First lady kicks off education advocacy efforts
Carolyn Kaster/AP - First lady Michelle Obama speaks to students about committing to education on Nov. 12, 2013, at Bell Multicultural High School in Washington. (Carolyn Kaster/AP). By Lyndsey Layton and Krissah Thompson,
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ichelle Obama will begin pushing for higher college graduation rates, adding education advocacy to her agenda. She announced the move Tuesday before a gathering of 10thgraders at Bell Multicultural High School, and said she plans to travel the country talking to schoolchildren about college. Obama said she was beginning a national conversation with students about attending some kind of higher education institution. She noted that the United States has slipped from first in the world in high school graduation rates to 12th. “That’s not acceptable,” she told the students. While President Obama and policymakers are trying to expand college access, it’s up to students to seize opportunities, she said. “The person with the biggest impact on your education is you,” she said. Obama, who often uses her personal narrative to relate to young people, described her own struggles growing up on the South Side of Chicago as the daughter of working-class parents who never went to college. “I had to get up at 6 a.m., get on a city bus, ride for one hour, sometimes more, to get to
school,” she told them. She set her sights on Princeton University but faced plenty of obstacles, and “couldn’t afford to go on a bunch of college visits, [and] didn’t have money for SAT prep courses.” The worst part, she said, was discouraging words from some teachers. “I still hear that ringing in my ears,” she said. “It was clear nobody was going to take me by the hand.” Though her older brother was a student at Princeton and getting in was one of the proudest moments of her life, she said the challenges continued there. Arriving at the Ivy League university was like “landing on another planet,” she said. “I’m here today because my story could be your story,” she told the sophomores at Bell high school, of whom 63 percent are Latino and 33 percent black. About 85 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of poverty.
“Maybe you come from a tough neighborhood. Maybe one of your parents lost a job and you had to struggle just to get here today,” Obama said. “These experiences are not weaknesses. They can teach you all kinds of things you can never learn in a classroom.” The education effort expands the first lady’s focus on young people and gives her the opportunity to move beyond her well-honed niches of healthy eating and supporting military families. It also marks a clear shift from the president’s first term, during which she rarely strayed from her two signature issues. Already she had begun using audiences with young people to talk about values she sees as essential for success, such as grit and determination. She plans to continue to focus her energy on them but was accompanied on her visit to the school by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, signaling a shift into education policy. (Source: The Washington Post)
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Google doodle, result of Doodle4Google contest, showing many facets of Indian woman, won by schoolgirl
Google India MD Rajan Anandan (R) and Kirron Kher present Doodle4Google winner’s award to Gayatri Ketharaman. PTI.
A
depiction using each letter of Google to portray various facets of Indian woman – graceful, elegant, adept at balancing work and home and go-getter - by a schoolgirl in Pune has been adjudged the national winner of Doodle4Google contest.
1-10 grade who are invited to design the Google Doodle to celebrate Children’s Day.
The doodle made by Pune’s Gayatri Ketharaman, will go live on the Google (India) homepage on November 14, the National Children’s Day.
The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Celebrating Indian Women’, and the company received over 1.5 lakh entries, from more than 1,500 schools across 100 cities. The final 12 doodles were shortlisted and put up for online voting.
Each letter of the doodle titled ‘Sky’s The Limit for Indian Women’ depicts a trait of the Indian Woman. “She is graceful and elegant, adept at balancing work and home. She is a go-getter. She personifies motherhood. Even in the face of adversity, she is courageous,” Google said. Doodle4Google (D4G) is an annual competition from the Internet giant for students of
Doodles are known as the decorative changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists and scientists.
“Our National Jury Kirron Kher and Ajit Ninan along with the original doodler select the National Winner out of the 12 finalists,” Google said. Among other categories, the doodle made by Madhuram Vatsal of Lucknow, showing
all forms of Indian women – a learner, a warrior, a goddess, a dancer, a scholar and a lover of jewellery -- was adjudged best in the category 1 (class 1-3). The doodle titled ‘Women Are Future, Empower Them Better’ won in the category 2 (class 4-6), while the same on ‘Indian Women Leading Our Country’ won in the category 3(Class 7- 10). All the finalists will receive a Google Goodie bag and an Acer C720 Chromebook. “Doodle4Google is the perfect platform for the youth of India to showcase their talent on an international platform. It allows youngsters from not just the metros but from Tier II, III and even IV cities to participate, which is evident from the entries seen this year,” Google India Managing Director Rajan Anandan said. (Source: PTI.)
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When Kajol and Ajay Devgn met Kangana’s nautch girl act bowls over director Prince Charles
Kajol and Ajay Devgn had a brush with royalty as they were invited to dine with Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall in Mumbai. The occasion was a dinner to support the work of British Asian Trust and other prominent guests included Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita. Kajol looked stunning in a peach and silver saree and Ajay Devgn looked dapper in a suit. Prince Charles and his wife are currently on a nine day tour of India.(Pictures via PTI and AP).
Bollywood enters White House with Michelle Obama’s Diwali Dhamaka time at the White House. “This holiday is celebrated by members of some of the world’s oldest religions not just here in America but across the globe. Diwali is a time for celebration... As Barack and I learned during our visit to India, it’s a time to come together with friends and family, often with dancing and good food,” she said. Michelle Obama was garlanded by Mythili Bachu, the Chair for the Council of Hindu Temples of North America, amidst applause from a select Indian-American audience. “We had a wonderful time. It was the first time that we did Bollywood in the State Room here at the White House,” she said amidst applause from the audience, which comprised of the who’s who of the IndianAmerican Community members and those in the Obama Administration.
Wearing a glamorous skirt especially made for the occasion by India-born designer Naeem Khan, Michelle Obama gave a few poses from the dance number. (AP)
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ichelle Obama, who led the Diwali celebrations at the White House for the first time, lit the
‘diyas’ amidst chanting of Vedic mantras. In 2009, President Barack Obama attended the Diwali celebrations for the first
Obama has the distinction of appointing the largest number of Indian-Americans in any presidential administrations yet. “Of course, as you all know, I think I can dance,” she said in an apparent reference to her dance in Mumbai three years ago when she celebrated Diwali. “But not as good as they can dance,” she said, referring to the expert dance by members of the Gold Spot Band, the New York-based popular Indian-American band. (Source: AP)
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Kangana Ranaut, a still from Rajjo
ver since her B-Town debut in 2006, Kangana Ranaut hasn’t shied away from playing unconventional roles. So, it’s not surprising that director Vishwas Patil decided to cast her as the protagonist - a nautch girl - in his film Rajjo. According to sources, the actress went the extra mile to
make her character as realistic as possible. Besides brushing up on her classical dancing skills, she also did extensive research to ensure she exuded the right mannerisms as Rajjo. We hear that while she was hesitant to chew paan (a wellknown habit of nautch girls) due to certain side effects, she took the risk so that the scenes would look authentic.
“While any other actress would think twice before doing something that would affect her teeth, she understood that without this gesture, her portrayal of Rajjo would seem complete. As a result, she won many admirers in the team. Vishwas was bowled over by her dedication and professionalism,” says a source. (TNN).
Controversy over ‘Ram Leela’: HC notice to Punjab over Sanjay Leela Bhanshali’s plea against FIR by Ajay Sura, HANDIGARH: Taking up a plea seeking quashing of an FIR registered against the star cast, producer and director of Bollywood flick “Ram Leela” for hurting the religious sentiments, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday issued notice the Punjab government and the complainant asking them to file reply on the issue. The petition was filed by director and producer of the movie, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, actor Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone against the registration of case against them in Jalandhar district of Punjab. They have pleaded before the HC that the film is inspired by William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. While making it clear that their movie nothing to do
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with hurting of religious sentiments of any community because the name Ram and Leela refer to the names of the two protagonists and thus the title of the movie is justified. “Even the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted certification to the movie for relase as per the relevant statute. Thus, no offence under section 295-A of the IPC is made out,” Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others added in their petition. Hearing the pleas, HC, however, refused to grant any stay on the trial court proceedings in the case pending against these celebrities at Jalandhar. The case is now fixed for November 14, when the Punjab government and the complainant Lalit Kumar has been asked to respond the issue. Jalandhar police had booked Bhansali, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
on September on the basis of a complaint filed by one Lalit Kumar. The FIR was registered under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant had alleged that the contents of the forthcoming movie Ram Leela, scheduled to be released on November 15, are highly objectionable and offends the religious sentiments of the public believing in Hindu mythology. According to complainant, the title of the film, its trailer and photographs are highly objectionable and offended religious sentiments of people believing in Hindu mythology. It was also alleged by the complainant that the story of the film has nothing to do with the life of Lord Rama. (Source:TNN).
Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kamal Haasan inaugurate Kolkata film fest
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aying tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema, the 19th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) was kicked off on Sunday (November 10) in vintage musical style by superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kamal Haasan. Thousands of film lovers gathered to attend the glittering ceremony at the Netaji Indoor Stadium where they were left mesmerised by the presence of Amitabh Bachchan, his actorwife Jaya, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan. The evening started off with a colourful dance titled ‘Parampara’ by Sukalyann D Entourage celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema. The charm and appeal of Indian cinema was xpressed through classic songs like ‘Piya milan ko jaana’, ‘Yaari hai imaan mera’, ‘Chin chin chu’ and ‘Kabhi alvida na kehna’ as the audience went down memory lane. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seated in between Bachchan and Shah Rukh on the dais. Among others, Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore, directors Madhur Bhandarkar and Shoojit Sarkar, National Award-winning Malayali filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, would also be present at the
Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kamal Haasan with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inaugural of Kolkata International Film Festival. later stages of the festival. Late filmmaker Rituparno
Ghosh’s unreleased film ‘Taak Jhaank’ (Sunglass) will be
screened for the first time as the
inaugural film for which a giant screen will be put up at the indoor stadium. To pay tribute to the director who passed away in May, eight of his films including ‘Unishe April’, ‘Dahan’, ‘The Last Lear’ and ‘Chitrangada’ would be screened at the KIFF. In 13 venues including the Nandan-Rabindra Sadan complex, Inox City Centre 1 and Star Theatre, altogether 189 films would be shown in the eight-day-long film carnival. Adding an international touch to KIFF would be 24
delegates from abroad led by Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai who will also hold a masterclass for film students. The focus this year would be on Southeast Asian films. A new addition to this year’s KIFF is the section ‘Shades of Black and White’ where contemporary black and white films would be shown. A retrospective of Adoor Gopalakrishnan starting with ‘Kodiyettam’ from the seventies to the 2008 film ‘Oru Pennum Randaanum’ would be shown.
ENTERTAINMENT
VOICE OF ASIA 17
Chinese film market will surpass Hollywood in 10 years: Ang Lee
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
Now, a comic on Ramayana
Ang Lee (AFP Photo).
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scar-winning director Ang Lee on Tuesday said that Chinese-language cinema could earn more revenue than Hollywood in ten years’ time and does not need to broaden its appeal. Speaking ahead of the Golden Horse Film Awards in Taiwan, Lee said: “(The) Chinese-speaking group is probably four times more than English-speaking people. “So I think as long as we are influential in the Chinese-speaking world, I think we will prevail, we will ripple out.”
The 50th edition of the prestigious award ceremony, seen as the Chinese-language equivalent of the Oscars, will take place on November 23 in Taipei. Taiwan-born Lee, who will this year chair the jury for the festival, added: “I think in ten years’ of time maybe our market will be bigger than the Hollywood market. Things will come naturally. “It’s important that we keep doing it, it will have ups and downs but eventually it will pay back.”
Industry analysts have predicted that China -- which collected an estimated $2.8 billion in box office takings last year, compared with Hollywood’s $10.8 billion -- will at the current rate of growth become the world’s dominant market by 2020. Lee, who is now based in New York, was hailed as the “glory of Taiwan” after becoming the first Asian to win a best director Oscar for the 2005 gay cowboy drama “Brokeback Mountain”. He won a second best director Oscar for the 3D adventure “Life of Pi” in February.
The curiosity around India’s epic tomes — The Ramayana and Mahabharata — refuses to die down. Now, comic books creator Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) is taking readers back to Valmiki’s story. “A portion is dedicated to the story of Shiva’s bow and how it came to be under Janaka’s care. It delves into the meeting between Rama and Parashurama, who was also an incarnation of Vishnu. He went around the globe 21 times on his mission to exterminate the Kshatriya race, but returned to Mount Mahendra after meeting Rama.”
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Expansion of our HD offering in Canada is in line with the same thought process. Our success in Canada in recent times only reinforces our belief in the Canadian market.” “ZEE TV Canada in HD redefines the television viewing experience. It is an experience in itself” added Hari Srinivas, President of Ethnic Channels Group. For more information on how to subscribe to ZEE TV Canada, visit http://www.zeetvcanada. ca. ABOUT ZEE TV AMERICAS A pioneer in South Asian entertainment, ZEE TV has become synonymous with unparalleled quality in broadcasting for more than 20 years. As a global brand, ZEE is committed to delivering top notch international content. ZEE in the Americas has es-
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTH
VOICE OF ASIA 18
Friday, November 15, 2013
Section 2
Learn More Medicare Terms ...cont. Employer or union retiree plans Plans that give health and/or drug coverage to employees, former employees, and their families. These plans are offered to people through their (or a spouse’s) current or former employer or employee organization. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Permanent kidney failure that requires a regular course of dialysis or a kidney transplant.
A list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan offering prescription drug benefits. Also called a drug list. Generic drug A prescription drug that has the same active-ingredient formula as a brand-name drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rates these drugs to be as safe and effective as brandname drugs.
Exception A type of Medicare prescription drug coverage determination. A formulary exception is a drug plan’s decision to cover a drug that’s not on its drug list or to waive a coverage rule. A tiering exception is a drug plan’s decision to charge a lower amount for a drug that’s on its non-preferred drug tier. You must request an exception, and your doctor or other prescriber must provide a written supporting statement explaining the medical reason for the exception. Excess charge If you have Original Medicare, and the amount a doctor or other health care provider is legally permitted to charge is higher than the Medicare-approved amount, the difference is called the excess charge. Extra Help A Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Formulary
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US regulators move to ban trans fats from foods by Kerry SHERIDAN
reporters.
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ASHINGTON, November 7, 2013 (AFP) - US regulators on Thursday took steps to eliminate artery-clogging trans fats from processed foods like margarine, microwave popcorn and frozen pizza, saying that partially hydrogenated oils are not safe to eat. The proposal by the Food and Drug Administration aims to reduce heart disease and deaths by requiring packaged foodmakers to choose safer mono and polyunsaturated fats. The ban would not take effect right away. First, there is a 60-day comment period before the rule can become final. The FDA is also seeking feedback from industry on how long it would take them to change their recipes.
Sudhir Mathuria
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
If the decision is made final, partially hydrogenated oils, which are made by incorporating hydrogen into liquid oil to make solid fat, would be considered food additives and could not be used in food unless given special regulatory approval. Trans fats carry no health benefits, and the Institute of Medicine has determined that no level is safe for consumption. The FDA said that “since trans fat content information began appearing in the Nutrition Facts label of foods in 2006, trans fat intake among American consumers has declined from 4.6 grams per day in 2003 to about 1 gram per day in 2012.” FDA Commissioner Margaret
“Companies are free to petition but they would have to meet that rigorous safety standard.” The FDA move was hailed by consumer groups as a major step forward. “Artificial trans fat is a uniquely powerful promoter of heart disease, and today’s announcement will hasten its eventual disappearance from the food supply,” said Center for Science in the Public Interest executive director Michael Jacobson.
US regulators took steps to ban trans fat from food, saying the artery-clogging oils are not safe for humans to eat (AFP/File, Johannes Eisele) Hamburg said despite declines in consumption of trans fats over the past decade, Americans’ “current intake remains a significant public health concern.”
the development of coronary heart disease, which is the top cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cutting out trans fats in the American diet “could prevent an additional 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart disease each year,” she said.
Many food manufacturers have voluntarily cut back their use of trans fats after a public health campaign to warn of the dangers built steam.
The FDA said its decision would not affect trans fats that occur naturally in some meat and dairy products, but would apply to man-made partially hydrogenated oils that are added to processed foods. These fats, also known as PHOs, are commonly added to improve flavor and lengthen the shelf life of products like cookies, pies, cake frosting, chips, crackers, doughnuts, pizzas, margarine, coffee creamer and some cereals. Eating trans fats causes an increase in bad cholesterol, or low-density lipo-protein (LDL), a leading risk factor in
“But a substantial number of products still contain partially hydrogenated oils, which are the major source of trans fat in processed food,” said Michael Taylor, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine. “It may take some time” for food-makers to find ways to comply, he added. Industry would have a high standard to meet in order to be able to use trans fats as a food additive. It must be “demonstrated scientifically that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from use of the ingredient,” he told
“Not only is artificial trans fat not safe, it’s not remotely necessary. Many companies, large and small, have switched to healthier oils over the past decade.” Food industry representatives said they would cooperate with the FDA. “Consumers can be confident that their food is safe and we look forward to working with FDA to better understand their concerns and how our industry can better serve consumers,” the Grocery Manufacturers Association said in a statement. Nutrition experts and doctors applauded the FDA move, but warned that consumers should still be careful about saturated fat and cholesterol. “If and when food manufacturers reformulate their products to remove trans fats, they often replace the hydrogenated oils with things like coconut and palm oil that are high in saturated fat,” said Dana Angelo White, assistant clinical professor at Quinnipiac University.
More Americans should take cholesterol meds: doctors W ASHINGTON, November 12, 2013 (AFP) - More Americans should take cholesterol-lowering medication, according to new guidelines released Tuesday by the American Heart Association.
“This is a dramatic change from the 2002 federal cholesterol guideline,” said the AHA in a statement, noting that drugs called statins should now be prescribed to some 33 million Americans. These people may not have heart disease but have a 7.5 percent or higher risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. Previous guidelines called for statins only if a person’s 10-year risk level was 20 percent or higher. “The old guideline only considered a person’s risk for heart disease, leaving out the risk for stroke,” the AHA added. Newly included among those who should take statins are white women over 60 who smoke, and African-American men over 50 with high blood pressure.
There will be changes in the way statins are prescribed. Photo: AP
Others who should take statins include people with a history of heart attack, stroke, angina, peripheral artery disease and related conditions. Those under age 21 with very high levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL that is 190 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or higher, and people age 40 to 75 with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are also included. “We’ve been undertreating people who need statin therapy in this country,” said Donald LloydJones, one of the 20 experts who wrote the new guideline. “Statins lower cholesterol lev-
els, but what they really target is overall cardiovascular risk,” said Lloyd-Jones, a preventive cardiologist and chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
There are seven different types of statins on the US market, including the best-selling drug Lipitor (atorvastatin). “The important message is to lessen emphasis on the old LDL cholesterol goals,” said Donald Smith, director of the lipids and metabolism program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Instead, the focus is on aggressive therapy in these at-risk groups, which also include anyone who has a history of heart disease or stroke. Ideally, the level of bad LDL cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL. It is considered high at 160 mg/dL, the AHA said.
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VOICE OF ASIA 19
NASA says new deep space vehicle on time for 2014 test
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ASHINGTON, (AFP) - The first test mission of a new deep space capsule that could one day take humans to Mars is on track for September 2014, the US space agency said Tuesday.
Orion aims to replace US capacity to reach space -- which ended with the retirement of the space shuttle program closed in 2011 after 30 years -- and ferry astronauts farther in the solar system than ever before. Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for human exploration and operations, said the project has made “tremendous progress.” NASA has described Orion as “a flexible system that can to launch crew and cargo missions, extend human presence beyond low-Earth orbit, and enable new missions of exploration throughout our solar system.” Orion will not carry humans on board until 2021 at the earli-
est.
Its four-hour test flight next year will launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida. After that, the unmanned craft is to make two orbits around Earth, traveling at a distance of 3,600 miles (5,800 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, and then plunge back into Earth’s atmosphere at high speed. The test tour will take it 15 times farther than the International Space Station’s orbit around the globe. The flight aims to test the vehicle’s thermal heat shield as it plunges through temperatures of 4,000 Fahrenheit (2,200 Celsius), and see how well the nearly nine-ton spacecraft splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off California. However, the Delta IV heavy rocket that will launch the spacecraft is not yet ready. Gerstenmaier said the space launch system (SLS) is 70 per-
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The number was reported first Monday by The Wall Street and confirmed by Fox News, which was told the final reporting day was Nov. 3. The Department of Health and Human Services issued a prompt response, saying officials could not confirm the numbers. “We have always anticipated that initial enrollment numbers would be low and increase over time,” said agency spokeswom-
an Joanne Peters. “And, as we have said, the problems with the website will cause the numbers to be lower than initially anticipated.” Healthcare.gov went live Oct. 1 and was immediately plagued with such problems as slow response time, volume-induced crashes and supplying incorrect information. Official have since called in private technical experts and have taken the site off line in non-peak hours to perform maintenance and improve the situation. The federal site handles insurance enrollment for 36 states without their own sites. The administration has set a goal of signing up seven million Americans for insurance by
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cent complete and again cited “tremendous progress” on the project. Orion’s next space mission -a spin around the Moon -- is set for 2017. While no crew will be on board, the test run aims to orbit the Moon at a height of 75,000 kilometers (46,600 miles) for three weeks, he said. Gerstenmaier described this as “a stable orbit” in which an object could remain “for 100 years without any altitude adjustment.”
Indeed, plans for the future include placing a 500-ton asteroid in the lunar orbit so that Orion crews could visit it, perhaps in the 2020s. “We are going to take this capsule into that region around the Moon and see how we can actually use lunar gravity to get in this orbit and get out of this orbit and return back to the Earth,” he said.
Report: Fewer than 50,000 have signed up for insurance on ObamaCare site ewer than 50,000 Americans have thus far bought a health-care plan on the problem-plagued ObamaCare website according to an insurance industry report, representing only a fraction of the half-million enrollees the administration apparently wanted the first month.
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
next March, when open enrollment ends. The Journal reported the number of enrollees thus far could be as low as 40,000 and that the administration’s goal of 500,000 enrollees in October is based on an internal memo cited last week by Michigan Republican Rep. Dave Camp. The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said in a statement the low numbers are not surprising because of the website’s problems. “Whether it’s higher costs, fewer choices or simply website glitches, it’s becoming more clear with each passing day that this law isn’t ready for prime time and should be delayed,” Hatch said.
The use of electronic cigarettes - pen-sized battery-powered devices that simulate smoking by heating and vaporising a liquid solution containing nicotine - has grown rapidly. (AFP Photo) by Robin MILLARD ONDON, AFP) Switching to e-cigarettes could save millions of smokers’ lives, a conference on the increasingly popular devices heard Tuesday, though some experts warned more research on the health effects is needed. The merits of e-cigarettes were thrashed out at a one-day gathering of some 250 scientists, policymakers, industry figures and enthusiasts at the Royal Society in London. The use of electronic cigarettes -- battery-powered devices that simulate smoking by heating and vaporising a liquid solution containing nicotine -has grown rapidly, with tobacco manufacturers jumping on the trend. Sales have doubled annually for the last four years and there are an estimated seven million users across Europe, organisers said. European lawmakers in October threw out a bid to curb sales of e-cigarettes by classifying them as medicinal products.
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Delegates in London debated how the market had moved faster than science or the law. Many delegates merrily “vaped” away throughout the indoor conference sessions, including one man puffing on a sizable e-pipe and another inhaling an e-cigar that lit up blue. “Cigarettes are killing 5.4 million people per year in the world,” said Robert West, a health psychology professor and the director of tobacco studies at Cancer Research UK. He told delegates switching to e-cigarettes could save millions of lives, but the debate was about “whether that goal can be realised and how best to do it”. The professor said almost a third of attempts to quit smoking involved e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes ‘running ahead of science’ Though they are estimated to be between 95 and 99 percent safer than smoking tobacco cigarettes, some countries have banned them and attendees debated the thorny issue of whether regulation -- possibly under
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Philippine elite fight ageing with stem cell therapy by Alexandra GEMPERLE ynthia Carrion-Norton flits high-heeled around the Philippine capital with energy levels belying her years, thankful for a controversial treatment she highly recommends to fellow sixty-somethings. Carrion-Norton, 66, a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee and a former undersecretary for medical tourism, credits her vitality to adult stem cell therapy. “The day I got the therapy I went to a dinner party and everyone told me: ‘Cynthia, you’re blooming!”, Carrion-Norton told AFP. The procedure involves harvesting the patient’s stem cells from their own fat and injecting them into their blood, which she likened to being injected with intravenous fluid in the arm. In a country where many elite are obsessed with anti-ageing, wealthy Filipinos are shelling out between $12,500 and $18,000 per session of stem cell therapy in the belief it will improve their overall health and make them look younger. Rich businessmen and public officials -- mostly male -- are the most eager customers, according to Florencio Lucero, a doctor in Manila who said he started performing adult stem cell therapy in 2006. “They do it because they want to work longer,” Lucero told AFP. “And then they tell their wives or girlfriends.” Lucero said Filipinos had been receiving anti-ageing stem cell treatment since the 1970’s, often flying abroad to do so. Thai medical entrepreneur Bobby Kittichaiwong says he has a lucrative business catering to the Filipino elite, who pay $20,000 to visit his Villa Medica clinic in Germany for a more controversial form of stem cell therapy. The clinic harvests cells from unborn sheep to be injected into a patient’s muscles, known as fresh cell therapy, and Kittichaiwong said 400 Filipinos visited last year. “After 14 days, the patient’s skin will glow and their digestive and immune systems will improve,” he told AFP. Among Villa Medica’s highprofile clients is former president Joseph Estrada, 76, who
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has staged a remarkable political comeback in recent years after being forced to stand down from the nation’s top job in 2001 because of corruption. “Now I sleep better, my knees are no longer a problem, my skin has been radiant like this ever since,” reads a testimonial from Estrada in a Villa Medica brochure. A spokeswoman for Estrada, who was this year elected mayor of the nation’s capital, confirmed he had stem cell therapy treatment at Villa Medica. Another remarkable, elderly politician who has cited stem cell therapy as one reason for his enduring career is 89-year-old Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who was defence minister during the reign of dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago. Villa Medica also cites Enrile as one of its patients. However the use of stem cells from sheep has attracted much criticism, with Samuel Bernal, a professor of medicine at the University of California, among the many Filipino doctors to warn of its dangers. “When animal cells are transmitted to humans, it could be fatal,” Bernal said at a recent forum on stem cell therapy in Manila. Kittichaiwong insists fresh cell therapy is perfectly safe. “What you eat everyday is foreign material, but you don’t get rejection,” he said, adding that Villa Medica planned to soon open a clinic in the Philippines. ‘The medicine of the future’ Amid this debate, CarrionNorton wants to promote the less controversial adult stem cell therapy in the Philippines, and set up her own clinic. “I don’t want only the rich to be able to do it,” she said. “I want everyone that needs it to be able to do stem cell therapy, because this is the medicine of the future.” However, treatments at Norton’s clinic will start at about $17,000. “It’s still expensive, and will remain so unless a lot of people get into the business,” said Norton. “That’s why I want more people to know about it and not be afraid of it.” Stem cell therapy for health and cosmetic purposes is popular
in China, India and many other Asian countries. However, like the Philippines, laws and enforcement are in large part yet to catch up with the medical advances. The Philippine Department of Health is scrambling to regulate local stem cell therapy practices amid a chaotic and often dubious boom in the industry. In an effort to tap into the much larger markets of the Philippines’ lower and middle classes, advertisements for more affordable products and treatments claiming to use stem cells have been springing up. Stem cell pills claiming to make customers “feel and look at least seven years younger” can be bought through Filipino websites for just 9,000 pesos ($200). Cheap and top-end beauty centres also offer a range of treatments, some not involving qualified health professionals. Human stem cell procedures can indeed offer life-saving treatments for patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and some solid tumours, according to the American Medical Association. The US-based International Society for Stem Cell Research also said the procedures for human, or adult, stem cell therapy had “tremendous potential” for treating a range of human afflictions. But it warned clinics around the world were offering “unproven treatments” for many illnesses that posed “very real risks of developing complications”. The lack of regulations in the Philippines makes it an ideal setting for medical practitioners to “prey on the desperation of sick people,” Dr Anthony Leachon, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians, told AFP. Health Secretary Enrique Ona said his department was planning to come up with a list of doctors and institutions accredited to practice stem cell therapy in the Philippines. But the government is clearly eyeing the potential economic benefits of stem cell therapies. “We look at this issue with a certain degree of liberty to make sure that our hospitals that are carrying out good stem cell therapy practices can continue them,” Ona said. “Hopefully, in the future, the Philippines can even claim to be a centre of stem cell therapy in this part of the world, if not even internationally.”
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Your Horoscope (For week beginning Friday, November 15, 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) 21 March to 20 April You perhaps not being delighted with the upheavals around you, but at least you can handle them. You are able to deflect the possible barbs that are tossed your way, even those about your imperfections in word or deed. It is vital to bring your understanding of others to bear. You know why they are tossing guilt your way and you can empathize. It will help to focus on what all of you together could achieve. A discussion with your one and only who understands you will help you even more.
Taurus(B,V,U)21 April to 20 May Mood swings that may have you full of optimism one moment, but frustrated at unexpected setbacks the next. Don’t get knocked off your feet if someone throws you a curveball. You are certainly able to keep up your excellent batting average. Those around you may react giddily to sudden changes, you will be able to keep your head. Use this to your best advantage. In your romantic/partnered life, expect both peace and harmony to reign. Your mate will be a godsend. Don’t be tempted to fall into your more usual slapdash way of doing things.
Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Teamwork & compromise, as Anyone who interacts with you will find you not only delightful company, but a great teammate as well. You exude good feelings and you are sensitive to the needs of others. This general atmosphere spills over into your private life. Plan to spend the week-end, just the you & family, totally reveling in each other’s company. Something you have in mind, perhaps an old idea about redoing your space, may be a snare and a delusion. For one thing, cash may not be flowing too freely.
Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Smooth the waters, You’ll have plenty of spirit, more than one person may appear to want. Don’t allow them to knock you off your course. It may be superiors who find fault. Fortunately you can take it with good grace and simply keep on trucking. You may find that mates or partners suddenly want to change the rules. Your partner may be reacting to a simple attack of nerves. You may have to be the one who changes their mind, both with a sunny disposition and possibly a logical explanation of why you do things the way you do.
Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Money, money & more money. You could be unhealthily focused on what you consider the inadequacies of your home environment. Don’t despair, do something! Even small cosmetic changes could make a huge difference, especially in your attitude. If someone else has to approve, approach him or her with a positive outlook. Give good reasons why your plan will benefit everyone. Wherever you land at week’s end, you will find yourself surrounded by agreeable people who share your mood.
Virgo(P) 23 August to 22 September Little concerns on your overall financial situation, as well as your long-term goals. You’ve got plenty of things you would like to do, but it is vital to be selective. If you attempt them all, you will scatter your forces. Take it one day at a time. Your relationships should move forward into a more promising territory. You may want to take time to look at & appreciate others intentions. Make sure to include your financial partner, who will not be critical, even if you are the one who has fallen into a spending pattern that’s hurting the big picture.
Libra(R,T)23 Sept to 22 Oct Be attentive on the next phase of an ongoing project, personal or professional. Now it’s time to deal with practical matters rather than the purely theoretical. This may involve a move or a purchase of new property. Because you are such a whiz at getting down to the fine print, you will have little difficulty squaring things. Fortunately, you have a cooperative and willing group around you, both at home and in other endeavors. Your energy should be high and your wits sharp. Keep them about you to avoid friction on the home front.
Scorpio(N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov
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FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
Sweet harmony in your professional & personal life. You and your partner will find yourselves getting along about everything. You are very much in favor and may even enjoy an encouraging talk with a superior. It should make you feel more confident about your future and much more secure about in your position, right where you are. Store up the compliments and feed on them during any rough days in the future. You may lack cooperation from work associates. Even if you feel that others are not carrying their weight, do not react in an emotional manner.
Sagittarius(BH,F,DH,TH)22 Nov to 21 Dec You need to concentrate on your goals. What you have to do seems not only tedious, but also somehow irrelevant. In a way, this is a blessing, because it opens you up to operating in a new, rather unconventional manner. People will notice and applaud your ingenuity. Relations with the most important people in your life are, for the most part, positive. It is important not to focus on work while talking with your mate. Instead, talk of romantic times the two of you have shared and enjoyed. Turn on your charm.
Capricorn(KH,J)22 Dec to 20 Jan Think about improvements and ideas about how they could be accomplished. The problem may be getting to the right people, with the right information, and you may be frustrated. Keep on digging and you will find what you are looking for. In the meantime, it is vital not to make any rash moves or uneducated guesses. Calm your tensions in one of two ways. Discuss the situation with a trustworthy friend or get a strenuous physical workout. If your present relationship is not working out, now is the time to re-examine what you expect from a person you get involved with.
Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb Feel the Reconnection to your roots. You may have a certain person on your mind, perhaps someone who was in your life until recently. You may have be the one to take the bull by the horns and make the date. It is highly possible that this reunion will prove something to both of you; you belong together, in every way. A sudden inspiration may hit. It may have to do with furthering your education levels. There is no question that information is power these days. If you feel stuck on your rung of the ladder, a course or a second degree could help you climb much faster.
Pisces(D,CH,Z)20 Feb to 20 March
Proof
You will face practical concerns. What needs to get done will get done, because you are in a frame of mind to deal directly. Don’t fret about the fact that your personal independence may be a bit limited now. The work you do now is money in the bank for future freedom, maybe even that long-desired trip you’ve wished for some time. Good time for a sit down planning chat. Get out those maps and schedules. It’s not too soon to start thinking about that trip of a lifetime.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
VOICE OF ASIA 22
FRIDAY, November 15, 2013
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES & ORGANIZATIONS OF HOUSTON - call Voice of Asia 713-774-5140 Hare Krishna Dham (ISKCON) 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
BAPS
Temple Hrs: 9 am to noon and 5 to 9 pm. Sri Astalaksmi puja: 7 pm. Sri Laksmi Archana will be performed on request all day. Location:same as Chinmaya Mission. Website: www.saumyakasi.org;
Hindu Temple of The Woodlands Prog: Location: 7601 S. Forest Gate Drive at Woodlands Parkway, Spring, TX 77382. Contact: info@woodlandshindutemple.org, 832-585-0001 Website: www. woodlandshindutemple.org.
Prog: Shakotsav, Nov. 13 Location: 1150 Brand Rd. Stafford, TX. Contact: 281-765-2277 Web:
Shri Radha Krishna Temple
VPSS Houston
Prog: Vedanta teachings Sundays at 10:30 AM Location: at 14809 Lindita Dr. Houston, TX -77083. Website: www.vedantahouston. org
ISSO Prog: Darshan daily from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.; Aarti daily from 7.45 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Location: 10080 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: 281-530-2565 Web:
Shri Satyanarayan Sai Puja Darshan
Prog: Tulsi Vivah with Saligram ji will be starting on Sunday November 17, 2013 at 4:30PM. Maha Arti at 7:00PM. Prasaad will be served after Maha Aarti. Location:11625 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77072 Phone: 281-933-8100 Website: www.SRKT.org.
Location VPSS Vallabh Hall, 11715 Belfort Village Dr. Houston 77031. Contact:713-530-2900 Website:www.vpsshaveli.org
Prog: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Every Thursday Abhishek Location: 16338 Kensington Dr, Ste 110, Sugar Land 77479. Phone: 713-933-8821 / 9359.
Sri Meenakshi Temple
Gurdwara Sahib of SW Houston
Shiridi Sai Durga Shiva Venkateswara Temple (Katy)
Prog: November 29th, Friday Grand Ganesh Temple Kumbabhishekam, a grand event. Location: 17130 McLean Road Pearland, TX 77584 Contact: (281) 489-0358 Web: www.meenakshi.org
Prog: Sundays Dewan 10:00 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Langar Location:14811 Lindita Drive, Houston, TX 77083 Phone: 281-498-5200 Website: www.gurdwaraswh.com
Prog: Samoohika (group) Satyanarayana Katha Invitation Date: Sunday 17th Nov. Time: 10 AM to 3 PM Location: James E. Taylor High School, 20700 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450 Contact: 713-933-8821/ Udayakumar Gullapalli E-mail: gullapalliu@yahoo.com Website: www.sdsvt.org
India House Prog: Location: India House 8888 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, Texas 77031
Chinmaya Mission Prog: Location:10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX77498. Phone: 832.541.0059. Website:www.chinmayahouston. org.
Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya
QR
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
Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple Prog: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra Parayanam: daily 6.30 p.m. Location:10098 Synott Road. Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: 281- 498-2344 Website: www.ashtalakshmi.org
Hindu Worship Society Prog: Open all days except Thursdays (by appt). Regular Puja and Prasad. Sunday Service 11:30 AM to 1:30 Location: 2223 Wirtcrest Lane Houston TX 77055.
Barsana Dham Houston Chapter Prog: Satsang every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: India House, 8888 West Belfort 77031 Phone: (713) 855-9818 for details
Prog: Every Friday Satsangh from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Bhajans and Devi Puja, Discourses. Location: 12530 Ann Louise Road, Houston, 77086. Phone: Contact Vishnu at (832) 309- 7181.
JVB Preksha Meditation Center Prog: Location: 14102 Schiller Road, Houston TX 77082 Phone: 281.596.9642 Website: www.jvbhouston.org
Patanjali Yogpeeth Center Prog: Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun from 8 am to 9:30 am Location: Arya Samaj @Schiller Road. Contact: 281-579-9433. Websites: www.pyptusa.org
Jain Center of Houston Prog: Location: 3905 Arc St. Houston, TX 77063 Contact: 281-606-JAIN; Email: ecjsh@jain-houston.org Website:www.jain-houston.org
Durga Bari Society Prog: Sandhya Arati at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday: 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Location: 13944 Schiller Road. Contact: 281-597-8100 Website:www.houstondurgabari. org
Gayatri Pariwar of Houston Prog: Sundays Satsang, Bal-Sanskar Shala, from 11am to 1pm. Location: 5645 Hillcroft, Suite # 307, Houston, TX 77036. Website: http://www.gayatripariwarhouston.org/ “
Prog: Bhajans: Sat.7:00 -8:00 p.m.; Sundays 9:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.Location: 1620 Ormandy
Electrical Service
NARESH SETLUR, CPA
Superior One Electric
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Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Franchise Accounting
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BOOK-KEEPING INCOME TAX Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll
Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations
S. Ram and Associates
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M.D. Associates LLP 3 Locations to serve you
visit us at : www.mdassociatescpas.com
Bakery • BAKERY • CAKE SHOPPE • CAFE
5700A Hillcroft Ave. Houston, TX 77036
713-785-1212 www.houstonhotbreads.com
EGGLESS cakes Available
Computer Repair & Networking Home & Business, Microsoft & A+ certified, low flat rates, free estimates, pickup & delivery.
www.PCNetworkGuru.com Call Amit at 832-971-6807
Sathya Sai Baba Centers Prog: Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at two locations Locations: Contact: (North) 832-418-3842 or (South) 281-788-4786. Website:www.saicenterofhouston.org
Telugu Christian Fellowship Prog; Every third Saturday 6:30 PM. Worship is in English Location: The Triumph Church, 10555 West Airport Boulevard, Stafford, TX 77477. Contact:713-301-6444 Website:
Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center Prog: Daily classes in Raja Yoga Meditation To register call or email. Contact:832-379-8888/ Email: houston@bktexas.com Website: bktexas.com
Bethesda Houston Tamil Church
Location: All Saints Lutheran Church 1211 West Belfort Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477. Contact: 281-686-4135 / Email: pastorvj@linchouston.org
Trinity Mar Thoma Church Prog: Sundays Malyalam service at 9:45 a.m. Every alternate weeks in English at 10:30a.m. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Location: 5810 Almeda Genoa Road. Contact: 713-9771-1557/ 281261-4603.
Rekindle The Fire Ministries Prog: Houston Revival Meetings Every second Saturday of the Month. Location: New Song Christian Community Church near 59S and Wilcrest. Every fourth Saturday of the month join a lively youth revival meeting at Pasadena. Website:t www. rekindlethefire.org
Indian Catholics of Houston Location: Claridge Drive Houston, TX 77031 Contact:: (713) 995-6811
Islamic Society of Greater Houston Location: Eastside Drive Houston, TX 77098 Contact: (713) 524-6615
BAPS Clear Lake
Prog: Prog: Sundays Tamil Worship: 5 – 7pm Sunday school : in English. Bethesda Family Fellowship: in English 10.30 am-12.30 pm Free Tutorial for all children Mondays & Wednesdays 5-6 pm. Ladies Bible Study: Thur 9 am. Location: 1092, Suite F&G, Stafford. Tex 77477 Tel:281-3177331 Contact: 281-317-7331 Website:bethesdahoustontamilc hurch.org
Prog: Sundays worship at 4:30 pm,
Prog: Location: 520, W.NASA Parkway, Webster, TX - 77598
Divinity Website: www.godivinity.org
GHNSS Nair Service Society of Greater Houston Prog. Monthly “Karayogam” every fourth Sat. 6:00 PM. Contact: 281-261-4950/ 281778-8341
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Prog:Satsang every Sunday evening from 5 - 7 p.m. Vedic heritage classes for kids 5-14. Location: 16628 Kieth Harrow blvd. Houston, TX 77084 Contact: 281-499-3347/281-4914114.
Sri Guruvayurappan Our Redeemer Temple Church
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PRODUCTION ASSISTANT KTRK-TV, the ABC owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a full-time production assistant. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to begin a career in journalism. In this position, you may have the opportunity to write and edit newscast scripts, work on the assignment desk, work on our digital platforms, sort scripts and run the teleprompter. Must be willing to work overnights, weekends, and holidays. College degree preferred. The ideal candidate has experience gathering and writing news along with a good understanding of social media trends.For consideration all interested applicants must apply on-line at: www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. Please send writing samples to: Robin Freese, Executive Producer, KTRKTV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 143911BR on all materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.
News Photographer/ Live Truck Operator KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX, has an opening for a News Photographer/Live Truck Operator. Candidates should have a minimum three years experience in all facets of television news photography including lighting, audio and editing, and show exceptional knowledge and creativity in these areas. Applicants should have a good eye for news photography, be able to work in the field unsupervised or with various reporters and be able to work in deadline situations. The ideal candidate will have experience or be able to operate a microwave live truck and must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs. of equipment. Must have a valid driver’s license and be flexible to any working shift assigned. Prior experience supporting digital platforms a plus. All interested applicants must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. Interested applicants should also send a resume tape sample of your news related work to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 149857BR on all materials submitted. No phone calls please, and no third parties. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.
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