Voice of Asia Nov 22 2013

VOICE OF ASIA 1

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VOICE OF ASIA Commemorating 25 years of dedicated service to the community

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Coordinating your care under Medicare. Read more on Page 18 OR Call 832-415-3180

Vol. 26 No. 47 Friday, November 22, 2013 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

Ronnie Patel completes 20 years in Insurance business

Kerala Center Holds A Successful Awards Banquet

Along the way he became a Certified Financial Planner and a stock broker.

Mr. Patel’s journey as an insurance agent began in 1993. He started his insurance career with Farmers Insurance and today he works as an independent agent representing several carriers such as Travelers, CNA and Hartford. Throughout the years, Mr. Patel has been a strong community supporter and has given back to the community in several ways through charitable contributions and time spent in the community.

Ronnie Patel

O

n November 14th, 2013 Ronnie Patel celebrated 20 years of being in the insurance business. Born in Bombay, India, Mr. Patel came to the United States in 1982 to attend the University of Houston. He obtained his BBA in Finance and then his MBA in Accounting and continued on to become a Certified Public Accountant. Out of college, he joined Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest accounting firms in the world.

The celebration at Madras Pavilion marked his 20th year of serving the Greater Houston community in the insurance industry. Mr. Mahesh Shah and Mr. Rajan Radhakrishnan of Madras Pavilion did a fantastic job of providing everyone present with a wonderful selection of appetizers, food and drinks. The list of attendees was vast and diverse and was well attended by Mr. Patel’s clients, friends, businessmen and past and present co-workers and community leaders.

We wish Mr. Patel all the very best and another 20+ years in this business!

US praises Nepal over election

Kerala Center officials with 2013 awardees in the front row third from l. to r.: Dr. Jose Maliekal, Dr. Mahadevan Padmanabhan, Dr. Raghu Menon, Mariam Paul, Ambassador Vijai Nambiar, Dr. Aney Paul, Dr. Arun Seraphin, Dr. Freemu K. Varghese, Joseph Mathew of Gurukulam and Prof. Sunny Thomas

T

he Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center (http:// keralacenterny.com) honored eight Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization or for their service to the society on Saturday, November 9th at the Leonards of Great Neck in Long Island in New York The awardees were selected by a committee consisting of four members headed by Kerala Center Board Member and Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham.

“Every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to be selected to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Dr. Abraham.

Nepalese electoral commision workers tally votes at the electoral commission office in Kathmandu on November 20, 2013 (AFP, Prakash Mathema) WASHINGTON - The United States on Wednesday hailed elections in Nepal as a vital step on the road to cementing a peace process launched in 2006 to defuse a civil war.

“Elections like these are a milestone not just for Nepal but for people around the world working to rebuild after conflicts and resolve disputes

via constitutional and homegrown means,” said White House spokesman Jay Carney in a statement.

“The Nepali people endured years of civil war, in which innocent civilians were the victims of violent extremism and terrorism.

Continued on page 8

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This year’s honorees were: Dr. Jose Maliekal, Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, The College at Brockport, State University of New York (SUNY) for his contribution in Education; Dr. Raghu Menon, Head of Business Development for North & South America for Linde Industrial Gas for Business Leadership; Dr. Mahadevan Padmanabhan, Technical Advisor Alden Research Laboratory (Holden MA) and Adjunct Prof. in the Dept of Mechanical Eng. at the Worcester Polytech Inst. for Engineering; Rockland County Legislature and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Dr. Aney Paul for Political Involvement; Mariam Paul, Director of Nursing at New York City’s Isabella Geriatric Care for Nursing; Dr. Arun Seraphin, Principal Assistant Director for National Security and International Affairs at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for Service to Govt.; Dr. Freemu K. Varghese, a practicing nephrologist and immediate past president of Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) for

Awardees 2013- L-R: Dr. Jose Maliekal, Dr. Mahadevan Padmanabhan, Dr. Raghu Menon, Mariam Paul, Ambassador Vijai Nambiar, Dr. Aney Paul, Dr. Arun Seraphin, Dr. Freemu K. Varghese, Joseph Mathew of Gurukulam and Prof. Sunny Thomas

Achievement in Medicine and Community Service; and Gurukulam, the Indian School of Culture, Language and Arts and its founder/principal Joseph Mathew for Community Service.

The Chief Guest for the evening was Vijay K. Nambiar, Under SecretaryGeneral and Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar.

Ambassador Nambiar, who was also be honored for his service to the U.N. Ambassador Nambiar praised the work of the Kerala Center for the Indian community.

The keynote speaker was Sree Srinivasan, Chief Digital Officer of Metropolitan Museum of Art and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Journalism School. Sreenivasan congratulated the Center for its work irrespective of religion, cast and denomination of Keralites.

The program started with welcome remarks from Awards Banquet Com-

mittee Chairman Greg Babeendran and the Kerala Center President Thambi Thalapillil. Babeendran in hiS remarks said that the founders of the Kerala Center had a vision to start this center and the new generation like him must ask how we can help to take the center to the next level of activities. Thalapillil said that the center has been providing a common platform for all Keralites and has been serving the Indian American community, especi8aly the senior citizens. Dr. Thomas Abraham served as the master of ceremony for the evening program.

An entertainment by Gobba Dancers of Connecticut followed after the award ceremony and dinner. The Kerala Center, has been in existence since 1993 and is a non-profit , 501 (C) 3 Tax exempt organization. For more information on the Kerala Center, visit www.keralacenterny.com or contact 516-358-2000 or e-mail at kc@keralacenterny.com..

OP-ED/OPINIONS/VIEWS

VOICE OF ASIA 2

by Jim Kouri

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ANNOUNCEMENT Free Document Shredding for Individual Houston Residents Saturday, November 23rd To improve services, safety and the quality of life for all Houstonians, the City of Houston, in partnership with Data Shredding Services of Texas, Inc., is offering free on-site document shredding services to individual Houston residents once a month at different locations throughout the city. This month the event is in your area.

Saturday, November 23, 2013 8 a.m. - Noon HPD South Gessner Station 8605 Westplace Drive Houston 77071 The Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office, a division of the Department of Neighborhoods

(DON), and the Houston Police Department (HPD) will provide residents with information on identity theft prevention. Data Shredding Services of Texas will provide shredding equipment to safely and ethically destroy sensitive documents.

For more information contact Rhonda Sauter in the Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office at rhonda.sauter@houstontx.gov or call 832.393.0955.

To learn more about DON or for the dates of upcoming shredding events, visit www. houstontx.gov/neighborhoods.

For more information on HPD, visit http://www.houstonpolice. org/.

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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.

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IQ LEARNING Getting into a good University - 2

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e wrote in our last article that gaining admission to a quality university takes hard work, dedication and skills.

Good academic credentials and extracurricular activities are essential first steps.

However, even with a bunch of extracurricular activities, academics will always come first in reputed colleges and universities. Students can enter college with a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA), but one of the surefire ways of knowing how a student will perform in college is an AP course. A score of B+ in an AP course is more valuable than an A or A+ in a standard college prep course.

Your college application is not simply another form you fill out, like a summer job application or gym membership form. It is your chance to show

the college who you are. It is your chance to show why they should accept you over hundreds of thousands of other students with comparable skills on paper.

Work on your essay writing to tell an interesting story that will highlight and display your personality. For example, talking about how you led a community service project through a non-profit organization that you founded, or how you made a difference in student government will go a long way toward success.

College counselors want to know that you are excited about something other than studying 24-7. If the thing that excites you also helps others, you are in a good position. What else contributes to getting into a good college? We will continue in our next article.

IQ LEARNING Sugar Land

Where Excellence is the Norm, not the Exception

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hile the Democrats complain about the U.S. Supreme Court being too conservative in its decisions, the highest court in the nation once again ran interference for President Barack Obama and his agenda in its latest decision. The court’s justices announced on Monday that they had declined hearing the case challenging the constitutionality of the controversial National Security Agency’s domestic surveillance programs.

Supreme Court Turns Blind Eye To Obama NSA Spy Program

The Electronic Privacy Information Center had accused the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of improperly allowing the intelligence agencies, specifically the National Security Agency, to collect phone call records of millions of Americans.

The FISC allowed the NSA to basically operate within the United States despite having no probable cause to believe the Americans involved in the technological dragnet are involved — or were involved in — activities that threatened national security, according to an Examiner report.

While such direct filings to the nation’s highest court are rare in achieving positive results, EPIC argued that it was bypassing the lower courts since only the U.S. Supreme Court could overrule such a decision by the FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) Court.

“The case is so obviously one which the Supreme Court should hear since FISA entails foreign intelligence surveillance. Heck, its the name of the law being used to spy on Americans,” said former police investigator and terrorism

by Paul Krugman pend any time around monetary officials and one word you’ll hear a lot is “normalization.”

Most though not all such officials accept that now is no time to be tightfisted, that for the time being credit must be easy and interest rates low.

Still, the men in dark suits look forward eagerly to the day when they can go back to their usual job, snatching away the punch bowl whenever the party gets going.

But what if the world we’ve been living in for the past five years is the new normal?

What if depression-like conditions are on track to persist, not for another year or two, but for decades?

You might imagine that speculations along these lines are the province of a radical fringe. And they are indeed radical; but fringe, not so much. A number of economists have been flirting with such thoughts for a while.

And now they’ve moved into the mainstream. In fact, the case for “secular stagnation” — a persistent state in which a depressed economy is the norm, with episodes of full employment few and far between — was made forcefully recently at the most ultrarespectable of venues, the I.M.F.’s big annual research conference. And the person making that case was none other than Larry Summers.

Yes, that Larry Summers.

And if Mr. Summers is right, everything respectable people have been saying about economic policy is wrong, and will keep being wrong for a long time.

Mr. Summers began with a point that should be obvious but is often missed: The financial crisis that started the Great Recession is now far behind us. Indeed, by most measures it ended more than four years ago. Yet our economy remains depressed.

S

The National Security Agency At Fort Meade, MD. NSA Photo expert Michael Snopes.

None of the Supreme Court’s judges offered any explanation on their decision to turndown the request from the non-profit, non-partisan EPIC. The EPIC Petition was distributed to the Justices last week along with briefs by prominent scholars in information law, federal jurisdiction, and constitutional law, who all urged the Supreme Court to grant the EPIC petition.

Other civil liberties groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Elec-

tronic Frontier Foundation are also mounting legal challenges to the NSA programs.

But EPIC’s challenge was the only one to go directly to the Supreme Court, according to an Examiner news story.

By allowing the NSA to use that provision to collect the records of millions of Americans without any ties to terrorism, the court acted outside of its own jurisdiction, EPIC argues in its suit.

EPIC’s lawsuit claims that the FISA court overstepped its authority when it granted the NSA permission to collect the phone records in bulk, since the Patriot Act only authorizes U.S. intelligence agencies to collect business records that are considered “relevant” to an investigation involving terrorism.

“Basically the Roberts Court decided to allow the NSA’s domestic surveillance programs to continue despite the fact that the law used by the Obama administration to rationalize the programs plainly states foreign intelligence surveillance in its title,” Snopes said. Source: Albany Tribune, November 19, 2013.

A Permanent Slump?

He then made a related point: Before the crisis we had a huge housing and debt bubble. Yet even with this huge bubble boosting spending, the overall economy was only so-so — the job market was O.K. but not great, and the boom was never powerful enough to produce significant inflationary pressure.

Mr. Summers went on to draw a remarkable moral: We have, he suggested, an economy whose normal condition is one of inadequate demand — of at least mild depression — and which only gets anywhere close to full employment when it is being buoyed by bubbles.

I’d weigh in with some further evidence. Look at household debt relative to income.

That ratio was roughly stable from 1960 to 1985, but rose rapidly and inexorably from 1985 to 2007, when crisis struck. Yet even with households going ever deeper into debt, the economy’s performance over the period as a whole was mediocre at best, and demand showed no sign of running ahead of supply.

Looking forward, we obviously can’t go back to the days of ever-rising debt. Yet that means weaker consumer demand — and without that demand, how are we sup-

posed to return to full employment?

Again, the evidence suggests that we have become an economy whose normal state is one of mild depression, whose brief episodes of prosperity occur only thanks to bubbles and unsustainable borrowing.

Why might this be happening? One answer could be slowing population growth.

A growing population creates a demand for new houses, new office buildings, and so on; when growth slows, that demand drops off. America’s working-age population rose rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, as baby boomers grew up, and its work force rose even faster, as women moved into the labor market.

That’s now all behind us. And you can see the effects: Even at the height of the housing bubble, we weren’t building nearly as many houses as in the 1970s.

Another important factor may be persistent trade deficits, which emerged in the 1980s and since then have fluctuated but never gone away.

Why does all of this matter?

One answer is that central bankers need to stop talking about “exit strategies.” Easy

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money should, and probably will, be with us for a very long time. This, in turn, means we can forget all those scare stories about government debt, which run along the lines of “It may not be a problem now, but just wait until interest rates rise.”

More broadly, if our economy has a persistent tendency toward depression, we’re going to be living under the looking-glass rules of depression economics — in which virtue is vice and prudence is folly, in which attempts to save more (including attempts to reduce budget deficits) make everyone worse off — for a long time.

I know that many people just hate this kind of talk. It offends their sense of rightness, indeed their sense of morality. Economics is supposed to be about making hard choices (at other people’s expense, naturally). It’s not supposed to be about persuading people to spend more.

But as Mr. Summers said, the crisis “is not over until it is over” — and economic reality is what it is. And what that reality appears to be right now is one in which depression rules will apply for a very long time. (Source: The New York Times)

VOICE OF ASIA 4

25th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

The People’s Lawyer www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

Contractor has a reasonable time to complete work Q. I hired a contractor to build a deck on the back of my home. He immediately started work, and then disappeared for almost a month. Every time I call he says, “I’ll be there tomorrow.� My yard is a mess and I want to get this finished. How long does he have to finish the work? Can I hire another contractor?

Ravindra Jain Is The Stevie Wonder Of India This article is reproduced from the Voice of Asia newsweekly archives in commemorations of its 25th anniversary. Published date: October

1, 1988

H

e sat on the sofa wearing a white dhoti kurta like any of us but he just isn’t anyone. He is Ravindra Jain, the famous music director, composer and lyric writer.

A. The first thing you should do is read any contract you signed. If it has a provision dealing with the time of completion, that termswill control. In most cases, however, the contract will not state a date by which the work must be completed. If your contract doesn’t say anything, the law implies that work must be completed within a “reasonable time.� In other words, the contractor must complete the work in the same amount of time as another contractor would. In my opinion, a reasonable contractor would not abandon the work for a month.

Ravindra Jain can be called the Stevie Wonder of India. “Because I had weak eyesight, even as a child, my parents decided it would be best for me to go into music. I have been playing musical instruments ever since I was four,� he said.

I suggest you let the contractor know that you expect him to promptly finish the work, and that if he does not, you will be forced the hire another contractor. If you do hire someone else, you could be entitled to damages from the contractor you hired based on any additional sum you have to pay to have the work completed. Based on what the contractor told you regarding his performance, you may also have a claim under our Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This could entitle to you to up to three times you damages, plus attorney’s fees. My guess is that once the contractor knows you know your legal rights, he will show up and complete the work.

Not only does Jain compose, write and direct music, but he also sings. His latest venture was the famous Indian TV serial “Ramayan� whose music is written, directed, composed and also sung by him to quite an extent.

Q. I put a few items on layaway about six weeks ago. I made several payments but did not compete the purchase. Legally, how much of my money am I entitled to have returned?

A. Texas does not have any law specifically regulating layaway purchases. Your right to a refund of any of our payments if you do not complete the purchase is based on the agreement you entered into with the store. Most stores retain a small percentage of your money, if you do not finalize the purchase. I suggest you read the agreement carefully to determine how much you are entitled to.

Q. I own a time-share. I can no longer afford the maintenance fees and taxes. How do I get rid of this thing? Can I force them to take it back? Can I just tell them I no longer want it?

A. Unfortunately, “getting rid� of a timeshare can be difficult. Unlike personal property, you cannot just abandon real estate interest. Even if you tell them you do not want it, it still belongs to you and you will be responsible for the maintenance fees and taxes. To end your ownership you must either get the company to agree to take the property back, sell it to someone else, or donate the property to another entity.

“Ramayan’s� music can be called one of his very famous works. “TV has become a very popular mode in India and everyone has a set and watches it, for it is so convenient and that is the reason why we became such a hit,� he said.

Jain and his wife was recently in Houston visiting Deepi and Chander Mehta and the Mehtas has arranged a private party at Maharaja restaurant in honor of the Jains where Jain also sang.

The Jains were on a tour in the U.S. with the “Ramayan� caste to perform the series as a

Q. My landlord has not fixed a serious problem with my bathroom shower. Can I fix it myself and withhold the repair cost from my rent?

A. What you are talking about is called “repair and deduct,� and as a general rule you may not do this in Texas. Assuming you have given your landlord proper written notice to make the repairs (by certified mail) and they affect health or safety, you may repair and deduct only for a few specified very serious problems. The law allows you to deduct if the repairs are for the overflow of raw sewage, the lack of water or heat, or certain housing code violations that materially affect health or safety. In all other cases, your remedy is to sue for the cost of repairs or terminate your lease. For more information about your rights as a tenant, take a look at my website below.

stage drama. “We performed in Washington, Los Angeles and Atlanta but cancelled the rest of the show because the audience were expecting a lot more that we could provide. They wanted the TV series, not a stage drama which was impossible,� he said.

Music is Jain’s life. “Through music, I get an inner satisfaction,� he said. Though he has achieved the number one position in the music industry, Jain is not at all proud of himself. I am happy that I am loved. It is the people who have given me the honor and I am grateful to them. “Music is an art. It represents our culture and our country. All countries have their own music to represent their culture. I like the western arrangements and if I get a chance in the future, I would like to record my music with western arrangements for technically they are very much advanced,� he said.

One of Jain’s most famous music pieces are of Raj Kapoor’s ďŹ lm “Ram Teri Ganga Maili.â€? He was also working with Raj Kapoor on his ďŹ lm “Henna’sâ€? music, when he died, and will now be working with Randhir Kapoor, for he will be ďŹ nishing his father’s ďŹ lm. He will also be directing the music for the second part of “Ramayanâ€? which is starting its shooting in the ďŹ rst week of this month.

Jain was born in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh and has been married for seven years to Divya. He has came a long way. His ďŹ rst commercially successful music piece was of “Chor Machaye Shorâ€? but he was noticed for his music in “Saudagar.â€? “The struggle was a hard one, yes, but then every business has its hardships,â€? he said.

Date of Publication: October 1, 1988

Houston Keralites honor Dr. Kuzhalnadan, Secy. INYC

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Honoring Dr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Secretary Indian National Youth Congress.

HOUSTON - Dr. Mathew was given a reception at the ofďŹ ce of Texas E-Cars by South Indian US Chamber of Commerce on November 13, 2013. He is a visiting dignitary from India here in US to attend the India Press Club Convention in New Jersey in October 2013.

Giju Kullangara welcomed the guests. Dr. George Kakkanatt spoke about Dr. Mathew’s achievements in politics and profession. Felicitation messages were given by Anil Aranmula and Koshy Thomas. Meeting ended with a vote of thanks by George Kolacherril. Chamber of Commerce ofďŹ cials honored him with a plaque to memorialize his ďŹ rst visit to US.

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Annakut Mahotsav and Govardhan Puja at Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha

Devotees offering the arathi to the Deities.

Annakut: Bhog of over 1000 preparations were offered.

G

ovardhan Puja is the celebration of one of Lord Krishna’s most memorable pastimes. During his descent on this Earth, Lord Krishna, as a cowherd boy, lifted Govardhan Hill on one pinky finger in order to protect the residents of Brajdham from the wrath of the Demigod Indra. Indra was upset because the brajvasis this year had decided to worship Giriraj Govardhan , instead of the annual ritual of worshipping Indra.

This, not coincidentally, was changed under the instruction of Krishna the supreme Lord.

The demigod Indra had no idea that this cowherd boy Krishna was in fact the Supreme Lord. So, Indra decided to lash out at the villagers by pouring heavy rains and flooding and destroying them. The helpless villagers then went to Krishna and blamed him for angering Lord Indra. This is when Lord Krishna, lifted the Govardhan Hill. All the villagers took shelter underneath Govardhan Hill, which protected them from the heavy rains. This lasted for seven days, until Indra finally gave up, bowed down to the Lord, and restored peace. He did Abhishek of Krishna and

ciful and famous for fulfilling all the desires. More than that He can give pure love and devotion unto the lotus feet of Lord Krishna for sincere seekers. It is a verdict of the scriptures that even if one offers one grain of rice to Giriraj Govardhan, that person will never be poor in the life.

Shri Govindji Gaudiya Matha, under the guidence of Srila Gurudev, Shri Bhakti Vedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaj celebrates this festival yearly. This year, however, was on a grand scale, as it was the first celebration in front of the beautiful deities installed earlier this year.

The program included kirtanas, an adult class about the meaning and significance of Govardhan Puja, and MahaAarti. The children attended their weekly Sunday class, Opened in style in July of this year, the celebrations were a first. gave him the name Govinda i.e. the protector of senses, cows, cowherd boys, gopis and brahmans. The villagers then offered a massive bhog of various foods to Govardhan.

Once it was over, the villagers remembered nothing of boy

Krishna’s amazing feat.

Giriraj Govardhan is Krishna himself in one form as well as Krishna’s best devotee in another form. He takes the form of a mountain to serve the Lord. He is extremely mer-

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where the various age groups learned about this pastime of Lord Krishna. In fact, my son came running to me after his class, and said “Look papa!!!

Did you know that Krishna lifted this huge mountain on one finger for seven days!!!”

And of course, anyone there can never forget the massive bhog of over 1000 preparations offered to Giriraj Govardhan. A real Govardhan Shila was placed in the center of the alter, and with all the food preparations, loud kirtanas, and smiles on everyone’s face. The whole temple hall was resounding with the chanting of the holy name with several mridangas and other musical instruments. It truly felt as if we experienced the same joy that those villagers felt under Govardhan Hill.

DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

NRI couple killed in California

Dallas Indian American community organizations felicitate Dr. Prasad Thotakura

JALANDHAR: Residents of Pholriwal village in Jalandhar district are shocked over killing of a Sikh couple in Fresno city of California, US, who got married two months ago. US resident Harmandeep Singh, 33, belonging to Pholriwal and his wife Kirandeep Kaur were found dead in their house in Fresno, from where a gun was also recovered.

Villagers said that Harmandeep’s family lived in Germany for many years before moving to US a few years ago. He married Kirandeep of Batala on September 12 in Pholriwal. Meanwhile, US-based Punjabi community has asked for a thorough probe into the killings. North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said that neighbours of the victims said that the couple was living a normal life and there had been no instances of violence.

“The matter requires a through investigation. Their neighbours were shocked when they learnt about the killings,” said Chahal, also a California resident. Meanwhile, Pholriwal residents said that the families had organized a lavish marriage on September 12. They said that the couple left for US on October 27. No one from Harmandeep’s family lives in Phloriwal and the village house is locked.

“Harmandeep was the only son. His father had died in an accident during a trip to India around two years ago. He was a very nice man,” said Jaswinder Singh, a villager. Villagers said that they were in a state of disbelief. “The family shared a good rapport and had good reputation in the village, and all were soft-spoken,” said a resident of Pholriwal.

ALLAS - Community activist, Prasad Thotakura received “Dr. ANR Life Time Achievement Swarna Kankanam Award” from Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee, Padma Bhushan, Nata Samrat, Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao at his 90th Birthday celebrations in September in Hyderabad. In October, Prasad also received “Honorary Doctorate Degree” from GITAM University at their fourth convocation. It is one of the prestigious Universities located in Visakhapatnam, India.

D

To celebrate these achievements, more than 350 people representing 20 different Indian American community organizations gathered on November 16th at Park Plaza Towers banquet hall in Dallas. With much excitement, they felicitated Dr. Prasad Thotakura for providing relentless selfless community service for more than 25 years.

Dr. Prasad Thotakura and his wife Swarupa were felicitated by more than 20 Indian American Community Organizations with number of shawls, garlands, bouquets and memorable mementos in the midst of Veda mantras chanted by Priest Subramanyam Rallabandi.

These organizations include the following: Telugu Association of North America (TANA), Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX), American Telugu Association (ATA), North American Telugu Association (NATA), India Association of North Texas (IANT), Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC), DFW Hind Temple Society (DFW HTS), BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS), Hindu Temple of Greater Fort Worth (HTGFW), Texas Indo-American Physicians Society (TIPS), DFW Orissa Society (DOS), Metroplex Tamil Sangam (MTS), GITAM Alumni As-

Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) leadership were among many others felicitating Dr. Prasad Thotakura (center) sociation of North America (GANAM), “Anna Data”, “Krishna NRIs”, “Prakasam NRIs”, “Chattier NRIs”, LMA of Dallas, Suswara Academy and Kalavaahini.

Dr. Thotakura, in 25 years of community service, has provided leadership through several organizations, including: President, Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX); President, India Association of North Texas (IANT); President, Telugu Association of North America (TANA); General Secretary, Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC); Advisory Board of Director, Dallas Community College District (DCCCD); Board of Trustee, Texas International Theatrical Art Society (TITAS); Board of Trustee, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth (WAC-DFW); Advisory Read complete report on www. voiceofasiatvnews.com

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VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

US praises Pakistan’s Malala Million-dollar gold stash over Receives EU Sakharov found in Indian aircraft toilet Nepal election rights prize Continued from page 1

“Since the end of the conflict, Nepal has made vital progress toward supporting civil society, promoting the participation of women and youth, and becoming a pluralistic democracy that can support the dreams and aspirations of all the Nepali people.”

Millions of Nepalis cast ballots on Tuesday for a constituent assembly tasked with writing a new constitution, defying threats of poll violence by a breakaway faction of the Maoist party.

More than 100 parties, including three major ones -- the Unified Marxist-Leninist, the Nepali Congress and the Maoists -- fielded candidates for the constituent assembly, which will also serve as a parliament. made the metal costlier, Sharma said.

Customs officers seized 24 bars of gold at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (AFP).

KOLKATA, November 20, 2013 (AFP) - An Indian airplane cleaning crew stumbled across 24 gold bars worth over $1 million stashed in an aircraft toilet compartment, officials said Wednesday.

travelling from Bangkok.

India, which rivals China as the world’s biggest gold consumer, has witnessed a sharp rise in smuggling since import duties were hiked three times this year to dampen demand for the precious metal.

The 24 one-kilogram gold bars “have not been claimed by anyone. No arrest has been made,” senior customs official R.S. Meena said.

The plane, belonging to private carrier Jet Airways, was being cleaned at Kolkata airport Tuesday after a trip from the eastern city of Patna. Indian media reported the plane had been

“The cleaning staff of the airport were going though their routine duties and found two bags in the toilets of the plane,” director of the airport B.P. Mishra told AFP.

Meena estimated the value of the haul at about 70 million rupees, or $1.1 million.

Gold is hugely popular in India, especially during religious festivals and wedding seasons, and is the second-biggest con-

tributor after oil to India’s massive current account deficit -the broadest measure of trade.

The government has been seeking to reduce gold demand and narrow its deficit by hiking bullion import duties.

Indians also buy gold in the form of jewellery, bars and coins as a hedge against inflation.

“This is the fifth (suspected gold smuggling) incident in the past one month,” said B. P. Sharma, director of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International airport.

“Smuggling of gold through the airport has risen” as the hike in the import duty of gold has

Last month, intelligence officials recovered gold worth 95 million rupees from the toilet of a plane after it landed in the southern city of Chennai en route to New Delhi from Dubai.

Four Sri Lankan nationals were held on smuggling charges.

In August, customs officials seized smuggled gold worth 11 million rupees from a passenger travelling from Singapore to the Indian capital.

Thirty-one gold bars were found in specially-designed pockets in the suspect’s trousers.

In Kolkata, a 28-year-old man flying to India from Bangkok was recently arrested with gold bars concealed in large torchlights, officials said.

In another incident, a man travelling to India from Dubai was caught in Kolkata while trying to smuggle five gold bars in his body, they added.

Pakistan’s teenage activist Malala Yousafzai is awarded with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (AFP).

STRASBOURG, November 20, 2013 (AFP) - Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai was handed the EU’s prestigious Sakharov human rights prize Wednesday in recognition of her crusade for the right of all children, girls and boys, to an education.

To thunderous applause announcing the European Parliament prize, the assembly’s president Martin Schulz praised the 16-year-old activist as “a survivor, a heroine and an extraordinary young woman” and said: “You have given hope to millions of people.”

Malala, dressed in orange and with her father Ziauddin at her side, became the 25th winner of the Sakharov prize at the ceremony significantly held on World Children’s Day, with 21 of the former winners present.

Past winners of the 50,000 euro ($68,000) prize also include South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela and former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

Accepting the award “in the name of God”, Malala spoke out for the 57 million children in the world deprived of education, emphasising the lack of schooling for girls, often because of forced marriages, trafficking, poverty and sexual violence.

“Children don’t want an iPhone, an Xbox or chocolates,” she said as lawmakers rose to their feet, “They just want a book and a pen.”

Governments need to cut military spending and invest instead in education to create “a country with a talented, educated and skillful people”, she said.

“There is hope, because we all are here together united to help innocent children come out of the quagmire of trouble,” she added.

Schulz said Malala, who was shot in the head by the Pakistani Taliban for speaking out against them, was “a symbol of resistance to fanaticism” and he lauded her father for encouraging her speak out and battle for girls’ rights.

Earlier this month however, Pakistani private schools banned her book “I Am Malala” for “anti-Pakistan and anti-Islam content” and a hardline cleric linked to the attack on her life was appointed the new chief of the Pakistani Taliban.

Malala, who was also nominated for the Nobel Peace prize, was taken to Britain for treatment in the wake of last year’s attack and now goes to school in the central city of Birmingham.

ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

US China envoy who oversaw Tokyo Motor Show focuses on embassy drama to resign eco-friendly cars

Toyota’s FCV Concept car is unveiled US Ambassador to China Gary Locke, pictured in Beijing on March 5, 2013, will step down from his post early next year

B

EIJING, November 20, 2013 (AFP) - The US ambassador to China, who oversaw diplomatic dramas and gave refuge to a Chinese activist who escape fromd house arrest, is to resign, he said in a statement Wednesday.

Gary Locke, the first Chinese-American to hold the post, will step down early next year to “rejoin my family” in his hometown of Seattle, after two-and-a-half years of “immense and rewarding challenge”.

Locke, whose grandfather immigrated to America from the southern province of Guangdong, arrived in Beijing in August 2011, standing out among the Western diplomatic corps because of his ethnicity.

He quickly gained a reputation in China as a humble dignitary -- in stark contrast to many Chinese officials -- after being seen carrying his own luggage and travelling in a regular car.

In February 2012 a diplomatic drama erupted when senior Chinese official Wang Lijun fled to the US consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu from his powerful boss Bo Xilai, then head of the nearby metropolis of Chongqing.

Wang soon left the premises to be dealt with by Chinese authorities and was last year sentenced to 15 years in prison.

A few months later, Locke handled a tougher diplomatic standoff when blind rights activist Chen Guangcheng escaped house arrest in the eastern province of Shandong and sought refuge at the US embassy in Beijing.

After days of tense negotiations involving then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chen and his family were allowed to go to the US. The US ambassador garnered attention again in June 2013 by visiting Tibet, where rights groups complain of Chinese suppression of the ethnic minority, claims that Beijing denies.

Authorities closed off the area in 2008 after deadly riots and Locke arrived amid a string of Tibetan self-immolations that have gathered pace since 2009 in the region and nearby provinces.

In his brief statement, Locke mentioned visiting Tibet and meeting human rights lawyers as measures that “advanced American values”.

A former commerce secretary, he also touted his promotion of American businesses in China and Chinese investment in the US. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that Locke had “made positive efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the US”.

“We appreciate that,” he added.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki praised Locke’s “successful tenure” and said he had “devoted enormous personal energy to opening Chinese markets to

American companies, promoting Chinese tourism and business travel to the United States and advocating greater respect for human rights.”

She denied that his departure after only two and a half years in the job “reflects anything” about US-China ties, adding that the process would begin to find a “qualified and talented replacement.”

Locke had replaced former envoy Jon Huntsman, a fluent Mandarin speaker, who spent less than two years in the post before leaving to launch an unsuccessful bid to be the

2012 Republican presidential nominee.

On China’s popular microblog networks, which followed Locke’s tenure keenly, users expressed mixed views on his departure.

“Farewell and don’t come again” said one poster, while another said: “He’s a good man.”

Several cited Beijing’s notorious pollution as a possible reason for his departure, with one declaring: “Trust me, he’s leaving for the sake of his family’s health.”

by Harumi OZAWA

T

OKYO, November 20, 2013 (AFP) - Ecofriendly cars were in the spotlight as the Tokyo Motor Show opened Wednesday, with Toyota unveiling a new model and Nissan touting its aerodynamic BladeGlider for energy-conscious drivers.

Toyota, a pioneer of hybrid vehicles, rolled out its FCV concept car, a four-seater sedan that has a range of 500 kilometres (310 miles) -- longer than previous versions -- and whose fuel cells can be recharged in just three minutes through hydrogen gas tanks stored inside.

The car, expected to go on commercial sale in about two

years, seeks to jump key hurdles that have hindered consumer buying of eco-friendly vehicles such as limited range and refuelling infrastructure.

Relatively high prices and restricted model choices have also hurt demand despite automakers’ big hopes for the sector.

But purchases of low-emission vehicles are forecast to grow due to increasingly strict emissions standards.

“Reducing energy consumption is the key for automobiles to survive,” said Osamu Honda, executive vice-president of small-car maker Suzuki.

“The demand for less fuel consumption is getting stronger and stronger.”

Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, also showcased its futuristic scooter-like FV2 which allows standing drivers to change direction simply by shifting their weight. It is similar to the Segway although it can move at faster speeds.

The concept vehicle’s popup windshield can turn oncoming objects a distinct colour to alert drivers to their presence.

Despite the show’s focus on eco-friendly vehicles, Toyota executive vice president Mitsuhisa Kato said automakers must still make vehicles that consumers want to buy.

“We must not turn cars into a simple means of transport -a tool,” he told reporters.

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

LIFESTYLE

VOICE OF ASIA 13

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Vol. 26

No. 47

Friday, November 22, 2013

by Anne RENAUT

T

echnology has given readers new ways to curl up with a good book, but the latest trend in Washington is surprisingly old-school: “little libraries,” stuffed with paperbacks, cropping up on front lawns.

There’s no card catalogue or late fees. The informal lending libraries work under a simple principle: “take a book, return a book.”

You can bring back the same book you read, or put in a new one.

“Last week, 11 new books came in,” said Kevin Sullivan, who launched his “little library” in Bethesda, a northern suburb of the US capital, in May 2011 on Mother’s Day. “It was a present for my wife, who is a big reader,” he explained.

He started putting around 30 books a week in the little wooden house-shaped box perched on a red post at the end of his driveway.

On its roof is a quote from Oscar Wilde -- an homage to Sullivan’s Irish heritage -- that reads, “The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.”

Half of the books are for children.

Since Sullivan and his wife live near a school, they think it’s great that parents and students “could stop at the library and get books.”

The concept first started in a small city in the midwestern state of Wisconsin, in 2009, as Todd Bol searched for a way to honour the generosity of his mother, a teacher, who had just died.

He built a small-scale replica of a school-house, which he filled with his parents’ books and posted a sign: “free books”.

Soon his neighbours did the same thing at the end of their driveways.

Now the little libraries have popped up as far as Ukraine and Pakistan.

In October, Bol sent 20 little libraries to be set up in Ghana. In India, he supports an aid group called “Going to School,” which aims to build little libraries for 3,500 schools.

His “one little library” is turning into “15,000 libraries by the beginning of 2014, in 55 countries, in 50 states, at a rate of 700 to 1,000 new libraries a month,” Bol told AFP. ‘A conversation for the block’ Although many of the little libraries are built to look like bird houses, variety abounds. One looks like a clock, another like a robot, and another like a theatre, inspired by

Section 2

Take a book, leave a book: tiny libraries thrive in US

Tel: 713-774-5140

India luxury sales to cross $10 billion

NEW DELHI: India’s nascent luxury market is set to accelerate next year, crossing the $10-billion mark, boosted by a new breed of wealthy “closet” consumers whose spending power is increasing, a report released Tuesday said.

Luxury sales will climb by an annual 17 percent in 2014 to top the $10-billion mark, up from estimated 14 percent growth in 2013, market researchers IMRB and the Confederation of Indian Industry projected.

India’s consumer base has been enlarged by “a substantial new class of wealthy” who have joined the ranks of the traditionally rich, said the report, released at a luxury conference in New Delhi.

India’s sharp economic slowdown has impacted the luxury market where global labels from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier to Dior have been jostling to make their mark.

A “Little Library” book-lending kiosk is pictured outside a home in Washington, DC. AFP Photo

the imagination of their owners.

For Phillip Vahab, installing a mini-library in front of his house was less about the books -- “my wife reads more than I do,” he said -- and more about his desire to build relationships with his neighbours.

“The city is so anonymous. It’s like a conversation for the block,” Vahab said.

His neighbours helped him pay for and set up the library in January, one of the first in Washington proper.

Vahab built a bench just next to it, where passersby can sit to read -- or chat.

Almost every day, “there is a new book in there,” the 38-year-old orthodontist said enthusiastically.

Many of the books are about politics, because in the US capital, “there are a lot of people in politics here,” he mused, though he noted one neighbour donated a treasure trove of feminist literature.

In Winslow, Arizona, John Ford hung scissors in his library so people could grab cuttings of the herbs he planted just below. Many of the

ASIANET

But by mid-2014, the luxury market is expected to gather steam as the economy picks up and as new luxury consumers -- ranging from first-generation entrepreneurs to corporate executives, doctors and professionals -- reach into their pockets.

The report identified this new brand of customer as “closet consumers” who it said were specially demanding as they have an “inner conflict” between parental middle-class values and “conspicuous consumption”.

The luxury industry will have to provide value to this customer base as they purchase high-end handbags, jewellery, electronics and cars to expensive wines, the report said.

“India’s newly rich, be it the corporate professionals, entrepreneurs or the farmers are yet to gain that degree of comfort with spending money on luxury,” as “old money”, the report noted.

The home of Kevin Sullivan is seen next to a “Little Library” book lending kiosk in Bethesda, Maryland. — Photo by AFP

books in his library are about cooking.

Back in Washington, near the National Zoo, Erin Astarr, 19, an Australian au pair, grabbed books for the children she looks after.

“It’s a good opportunity for the community to come together and share and get educated,” she said.

The chief librarian in Washington’s public library system, Ginnie Cooper, said she couldn’t be more

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pleased to see the book boxes pop up in her city.

“Sharing a great book from your public library or a little library is one of the ways that the District (Washington) continues to be a city of readers,” she said.

Elinor Kotchen, carrying her four-month-old baby, found a book for her older son. “Now I need to bring a book to return the favour,” she said. (AFP).

The Indian market still represents a fraction of the $318-billion global market but the country with its increasingly affluent population of 1.2 billion has “tremendous potential”, the report said.

Still, speakers at the conference spoke of multiple challenges holding back the sector including high import taxes, the array of goods on sale and restrictive curbs on foreign retailers such as a requirement for 30 percent local sourcing.

“The import taxes are far too high,” said Sanjay Kapoor, an ex-investment banker who has partnered with some of the biggest Western luxury firms such as Giorgio Armani, Burberry and Jimmy Choo and brought them to India.

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Friday, November 22, 2013

Section 2

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Tel: 713-774-5140

Rape fear keeps US students Engineering students claim out of India: Nancy Powell Third Place in national Chem-E-Car competition

by Alok Mishra

R

ANCHI: The frequent incidence of rape in India has created an adverse image of Indiaabroad.

US ambassador to India, Nancy Powell, on her maiden visit to Jharkhand, on Tuesday highlighted this saying how this was possibly a factor in American students not coming to India.

She said: “The concern for personal security and perceived increased danger to women as a result of the rape cases was perhaps a factor in US students’ decision regarding study in India.”

Powell said this in response to a question - “Why aren’t American students coming to India for studies?” - asked in the course of a chat with students’ at the Xavier Institute of Social Science (XISS) in Ranchi.

The students at XISS agreed in the presence of Powell that they too face sexual harassment on the streets. “Even we Indian girls face a lot of catcalls and are subject to teasing outside the college campus almost everyday,” said a student, who was part of the interaction session but did not want to be named.

When asked to elaborate,

by Melanie Ziems

I

t took more than a thousand hours and a few trips back to the drawing board, but the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering’s Chem-E-Car competition team’s hard work paid off earlier this month when they clinched third place overall at the annual national Chem-E-Car competition. This is the highest UH has ranked in the 15 years the competition has taken place.

Nancy Powell, US ambassador to India.

Powell said : “What I said was one of the factors for US students decision regarding study in India.” Last year, a female student from Chicago University, who was on a study trip to India, in an account posted on CNN iReport said that India was full of adventures and beauty, but also relentless sexual harassment, groping and worse.

At the interaction with students at XISS, Powell focused on education and people-topeople connection. Following through on the most recent US-India Higher Education

Dialogue in New Delhi in June this year, her remarks to the students emphasized: “There is no sector that better illustrates the mutual benefit of our relationship than education, a priority sector for both the US and India. Education has become one of the main pillars in our bilateral strategic partnership.”

L

OS ANGELES, (AFP) - The American Film Institute (AFI) has launched a scholarship scheme allowing student filmmakers to write movies about China, saying US cinema-goers need more cultural insight than “Kung Fu Panda.”

“China’s rich cultural legacy is filled with stories waiting to be shared with an eager global audience,” said AFI head Bob Gazzale, announcing the joint scheme with IDG Greater China, a venture capital group.

IDG boss Hugo Shong said: “Although China has a remarkable and distinguished history stretching back more than 5,000 years, too many Americans only know Chinese culture through animated films like ‘Kung Fu

AFI head Bob Gazzale, announcing the joint scheme with IDG Greater China, a venture capital group.

Panda’ and ‘Mulan.’

“Americans deserve to see other types of movies about China, ones that hopefully can entertain them, educate them and at the same time touch their hearts,” added Shong, head of IDG Greater China and founding IDG partner.

The AFI/IDG China Story Fellowship scheme was an-

nounced as the AFI’s annual week-long film festival drew to a close in Los Angeles on Thursday.

“By initiating this project with AFI, I am hoping that together we can jointly encourage a new generation of American screenwriters to produce more and different kinds of screenplays about China,” said Shong, cited in an AFI statement.

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The UH’s Chem-E-Car, named “Shasta 6,” runs off of the pressure produced by the catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide when introduced to manganese dioxide. The decomposition produces water and oxygen, and when the oxygen builds up

builds on recent successes of the UH AIChE chapter, including a fifth-place finish in last year’s national Chem-E car competition and hosting a successful AIChE regional conference last year. “I am very proud of our chapter’s success in the national competition. All the credit belongs to our students. They consistently show us that motivation and teamwork leads to national recognition,” Doxastakis said.

As for the team, Mahajan said he is proud that they were able to demonstrate the quality of their UH education. “This competition is one of the only ways to

The US diplomat also made courtesy calls on governor Syed Ahmad and CM Hemant Soren and also met with a varied group of civil society leaders who are alumni of US state department-funded leadership programmes.

US film school offers China scholarships

Nine students at the AFI Conservatory will travel to China for “cultural” research,” to help them write a feature-length screenplay and develop it on a second year scholarship at the prestigious film school.

The Chem-E-Car competition is sponsored annually by the American Institute of Chemi-

“It means [our success] is not a fluke,” he said. While other teams had vastly differing runs – the 1st place team came within 3 centimeters on their first run, but overshot the finish line by so much on their second run that their car hit the wall – the UH team came within centimeters of the finish line on both runs.

www.newyorklife-india.com

EOE M/F/D/V

Chem-E-Car Team. cal Engineers. Teams must construct a car powered solely through chemical reactions that can haul a certain load several meters. However, the specific load and distance are not known until the competition day. Teams who qualify in the regional competition held in March advance to the national competition at the annual AIChE Student Conference, which was held in San Francisco this year.

For this year’s competition, cars hauled 250 milliliters of water over a distance of 17 meters.

Teams were given two opportunities to come as close as possible to the finish line. The UH team’s winning run landed 13 centimeters from the finish line.

in the tank, the pressure starts the engine. An iodine clock reaction measured by an LED light and LDR sensor stops the car.

Third place comes with a $500 prize, which Mahajan says will go toward “helping the team expand,” including purchasing new tools and materials to be used for next year’s car.

The team’s faculty advisor, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering Manolis Doxastakis, said this result

showcase our talent and tell people all across the country how good we are at what we do.

This puts UH in the national spotlight, and this was the only aim I started out with when I took over as Team Lead last year,” he said. “I believe it is a monumental achievement for not just the students, but also the department of chemical engineering and the university as a whole.” SOURCE: Cullen College Of Engineering

The UH Chem-E-Car team is composed of Team Lead Rishabh Mahajan and team members Abraham Aboiralor, Paul Abraham An Dinh, Ed McDowell and Yen Nhi Nguyen. Paul Abraham will take on the role of Team Lead for the 2014 competition.

The team was also named Most Consistent by the judging panel – perhaps an even more meaningful title than their overall ranking to Abraham.

Rishabh Mahajan, Team Lead (forefront) with University of Houston’s Chem-E-Car Team

VOICE OF ASIA 15

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

VOICE OF ASIA 17

ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Stephen King returns with 15 Oscar-nominated films sequel to ‘The Shining’ to be screened at IFFI

T

he 44th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) that kicks off tomorrow here will screen 15 Oscar-nominated films from world over.

by Helen Rowe

D

on’t ask horror writer Stephen King where he gets his ideas from. He doesn’t know.

But the American author who has written over 50 novels and sold 350 million copies worldwide does remember how he came up with the plot for his 1977 book “The Shining”.

“We will be screening 15 Oscar nominated movies this time,” film festival director Shankar Mohan said.

King and his wife, who were living in Colorado at the time, had gone to the mountains for a weekend at the end of the holiday season and were the only guests in their hotel.

Since 2011, the films that have won award in IFFI competition section go on to win the Academy award, like ‘Life of Pi’, Mohan said.

“We were very much fish against the current because everyone else was checking out and we were checking in,” he said.

“It was creepy because the wind was howling outside... and all the chairs were up on the tables,” he said.

After dinner, King’s wife went up to their room at the Stanley Hotel leaving the writer in the deserted dining hall where he “soaked up the atmosphere”.

“Then (as) I went back to the room I passed one of those canvas fire hoses on the wall and I thought ‘gee, what if that turned into a snake and came after you’.”

“By the time that I got back to the room I had the whole story in my head,” he said.

“The Shining” tells the story of Jack Torrance who takes a job as an out-of-season caretaker at a remote hotel and eventually attempts to murder his wife and son.

The book was made into the 1980 film of the same name directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson.

Now, over 35 years after the book was first published, King has written a sequel.

In “Doctor Sleep”, King picks up the character of the

Sarandon will be the chief guest for the inaugural function, which will be attended

by Union Information and

son, Danny Torrance, the child with psychic powers in the original book, as a middle-aged alcoholic drifter.

Haunted by his dead father’s “legacy of despair, alcoholism and violence”, he works in a hospice where he draws on his paranormal powers to help people achieve a peaceful death.

But his past is reawakened when he encounters a telepathic child, Abra.

King, 66, said he did not usually write sequels.

“When I get to the end of a story, I’m done with these people, not because I don’t like them any more, but because I don’t know what happens next,” he told journalists in Paris on Tuesday.

In Danny’s case, however,

King said that the character “never really left my mind”.

“I got curious and that doesn’t happen to me very often,” he said, adding that little by little what happened next to Danny “started to form in my head”.

“I felt that because addiction is something that tends to run in families, I thought I would go ahead and let him be an alcoholic and see if he could do a better job than his dad.”

A recovering alcoholic himself, who was drinking heavily at the time he wrote “The Shining”, King said that when he started writing he was wary of producing a “tract on alcoholism”.

Another challenge, he said, was how to write something capable of terrifying readers who

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will also be present as a guest for the inaugural event.

“It is a conscious decision to have an international personality for the inaugural function,” he said, adding that Goan fashion designer Wendell Rodricks will be designing the gown for Sarandon, which she will wear for the inauguration.

(AFP) The ten daylong event will have 327 films, 80 per cent of which are on the digital format, Mohan said.

The competition section has 15 films, of which two are Indian, including ‘Coffin Maker’

by Veena Bakshi.

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman would be conferred the inaugural Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the festival.

The festival, which will be held across two venues, Macquiniz Palace The lifetime Veena Bakshi’s film ‘The Coffin Maker’ is competing. and Kala Acadachievement emy, will have a award would be given to Czech Broadcasting Minister Manish major focus on the north eastfilmmaker Jiri Menzel during Tewari, veteran actors includ- ern states. the inauguration tomorrow. ing Kamal Hassan, Rekha, and IFFI 2013 will also have a Hollywood actress Susan singer Asha Bhonsle.

‘Soul of India’ section. (PTI) were now older and facing the really frightening things in life such as cancer and death.

“A lot of people think of “The Shining” as one of the most scary books that they’ve read in their lives,” he said.

“And I’ll say ‘well yes, you were 14 years old, you were away at summer camp and you were reading with a flashlight under the covers. Of course I

scared you, you were easy!’.

“Now they are all grown up and you know no matter what you write there will be a contingent who say ‘well that wasn’t very scary’”.

Although he is at a loss to explain the genesis of his ideas, King says how to scare people is easier to define.

“The key to it is to create char-

acters that people care about. If you care about them and they are in jeopardy then you are afraid for them,” he said.

As for what scares the author himself, King -- like his readers -- no longer has to look to he paranormal for that.

“I’m afraid of Alzheimer’s,” he said. “Declining mental ability, that scares the heck out of me.”

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 18

Friday, November 22, 2013

Section 2

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Why we’re spending $1 Trillion on health medications

by Alexandra Sifferlin

G

lobal spending on drugs for diseases ranging from cancer to heart disease are on the rise, and according to a new report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, worldwide, patients will spend $1 trillion on such drugs by 2014.

Not only will spending reach that unprecedented level, but the group’s estimates hint that it will continue to grow and reach almost $1.2 trillion in 2017.

Most of that spike is coming from greater access to medications among the world’s growing middle class, but here are a few other reasons for the trend, according to the report’s authors: New health care systems: In the U.S., the Affordable Care Act could lead to major spending on prescription drugs for Americans. For instance, in a best case scenario of nearly complete enrollment, increased

demand from more insured people will push up prescriptions. Given the large pool of anticipated new enrollees, however, even if signups are lackluster, Michael Kleinrock, research director for the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics says, “We are still [going to] hit $1 trillion in 2014.”

China is also expanding its health care system and aiming for universal coverage for its 1.35 billion citizens by 2020.

The report estimates that the country alone will make up 34% of the global growth in medication spending over the next five years. As Europe recovers from the recession, its residents may also start to buy more prescription drugs.

And in Japan, demographics may drive changes in prescription patterns. Its aging population compelled the government to mandate that 60% of prescribed drugs be available as generics by 2018, which is expected to double the current amount of generic drugs on the market in the country.

New drugs: Over the next five years, the FDA is expected to approve about 35 new New Molecular Entities (NMEs) a year that could treat specialized diseases as well as more common medical problems like rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis. NMEs contain active molecules or agents that have not previously been approved by the FDA, and represent entirely new ways of treating disease, either alone or in combination with other drugs.

More specialty medications: The report authors say specialized medicines like biologics will also drive new prescriptions for medications. Biologics are derived from living organisms, and by nurturing them in the right environments, scientists encourage them to produce desired proteins, enzymes or other molecular entities that can have important therapeutic effects. According to the authors, these will represent the most popular new groups of drugs through 2017. Spending for these medications is ex-

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pected to increase 30% over the next five years to about $190 to $200 billion. These drugs potentially offer more targeted therapies for cancers, arthritis, hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis, all of which are likely to be on the market by 2017.

What does all this drug spending mean for the world’s health? The medications won’t be a panacea for the world’s ills. But more accessibility of newer medicines may lead to better control of certain conditions. “Some diseases, like hepatitis C, where newer medicines are purported to act nearly as a viral cure, could see reduced rates of disease as a result of new medicines and their broader use,” says Kleinrock. “Many of the specialty medicines we point to are breakthroughs for niche or orphan disease populations, so the benefits for those patients are clear, but they are sometimes few in number.”

Those small benefits, however, could add up to larger improvements in the global population’s health over time.

Diabetes: Asia’s ‘silent killer’

by Zoe Murphy (BBC News).

A

sia is in the grip of a diabetes epidemic.

In human and financial terms, the burden is huge and it is hitting the poor especially hard.

China has the capacity to deal with a health problem of such magnitude.

China spent $17bn (£10.6bn) on diabetes last year. The disease

positioned - as they are developing so fast, they have the resources to act fast and reframe their health systems,” she says.

India is closely trailing China,

Often thought of as a disease of the rich, experts say the unabating rise may be fuelled as much by food scarcity and insecurity as it is by excess.

There are now 382 million people worldwide living with diabetes, according to new figures from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

More than half are in Asia and the Western Pacific, where 9095% of cases are classed as Type-2.

China is leading the world, with the disease now affecting more than 98 million people or about 10% of the population - a dramatic increase from about 1% in 1980.

Prof Juliana Chan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong says there is a complex interplay between genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors, which have been compounded

by China’s rapid modernisation.

“Diabetes is a disease of paradoxes,” she says.

“It is typically an ageing disease, but the data shows that the young and middle-aged are most vulnerable. It is prevalent in obese people but emerging data suggests that for lean people with diabetes the outcome can be worse.”

The big question is whether

taken seriously “because people think it’s a one-time thing or a mild affliction”.

The condition disappears after birth, but within five years of pregnancy, 70-80% of women develop Type-2 diabetes, she says.

The infant is also at increased risk of developing the disease in later life.

Across the Western Pacific the disease is taking an unprecedented human and economic toll.

Changing lifestyles, rapid urbanisation and cheap calories in the form of processed foods are putting more and more people at risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.

In Fiji, surgeons carry out a diabetes-related amputation every 12 hours on average.

Diabetes expert says gestational diabetes is often not taken seriously may consume more than half of China’s annual health budget, if all those with the condition get routine, state-funded care, the IDF says.

“Diabetes is a silent killer in a silent population,” says Prof Chan.

Men and women, trapped by stigma, poverty and misinformation, often do not seek help for diabetes until it is in its advanced stages.

Kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and blindness are common complications.

Prof Chan says China’s leaders need to do a lot in terms of public health policy.

“One of the greatest challenges is that the system is not conducive to preventative care. We need to go out and find those at risk otherwise you miss the critical moment to prevent the disease,” she says.

Governments are waking up to the problem, according to Leonor Guariguata, a biostatistician at IDF. “India and China are uniquely

with an estimated 65.1 million diabetics.

Kanmani Pandian is 25 years old and expecting her first baby in January.

All pregnant women in Chennai undergo compulsory testing for diabetes Two months ago she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes - a disease she had never heard of.

Kanmani was lucky. In Chennai, in the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, universal screening is available for pregnant women.

If left unchecked the disease can lead to life-threatening complications, including foetal macrosomia, or excessive birth weight, making the delivery dangerous for both mother and child.

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How ACOs share information • Your doctors use data from Medicare to help improve how they provide care. For example, your doctors will get your medical information from Medicare to help them to know your medical history, including your medical conditions, prescriptions, and visits to the doctor, and give you the right care at the right time in the right setting.

• Doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers working together in an ACO are able to read your medical records, along with other office staff authorized to help coordinate your care.

• The privacy and security of your medical information is protected by federal law. You’ll continue to get the same rights enjoyed by all people with Medicare.

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Medicare’s coordinated care programs include: • Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are one way that we’re working to better coordinate your care. If your doctor has decided to participate in an ACO and you have Original Medicare, you’ll be notified, either in person or by letter.

How ACOs work • Local health care providers and hospitals volunteer to work together to provide you with coordinated care.

• The doctors and other providers who are helping care for you will communicate with each other, and partner with you in making health care decisions.

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More than 21 million live births were affected by diabetes in 2013. In India, the condition is particularly prevalent.

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HEALTH, SC & TECH

VOICE OF ASIA 19

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

3D printing ‘will change the world’ Japan medics bring high-tech fixes to Philippines typhoon F

by Helen Rowe

rom replacement kidneys to guns, cars, prosthetics and works of art, 3D printing is predicted to transform our lives in the coming decades as dramatically as the Internet did before it.

TACLOBAN: Japanese medics working to help victims of the Philippines typhoon have deployed wireless mobile X-ray kits using tablet computers, a world first in a disaster zone, a team spokesman said Saturday.

“I have no doubt it is going to change the world,” researcher James Craddock told AFP at the two-day 3D Printshow in Paris which wraps up later on Saturday.

A member of the 3D Printing Research Group (3DPRG) at the UK’s Nottingham University, Craddock nevertheless predicted that use of 3D printing would be limited.

The technology, which was developed after the huge tsunami that hit Japan in 2011, allows doctors to take a look inside patients instantly, and even lets them enlarge the image with familiar iPad gestures.

“You wouldn’t want to make a cup from a 3D printer because it would probably fall apart, leak or poison you, but you would use it for high-value, beautiful items or replacement parts,” he said.

Joji Tomioka, coordinator of the Japan Medical Team for Disaster Relief, said the system had been created in response to what doctors needed in the aftermath of the Japanese disaster.

“The real revolutionary factor is industrial use,” he added.

“This is the first time that we are deploying it in a disaster situation,” Tomioka told AFP at a modern tent medical clinic put up by the Japanese government to help victims of typhoon Haiyan, which crashed through the central Philippines more than a week ago.

Here is a selection of the potential future uses of 3D printing: - Arms This is one of the more eye-catching prospects and has attracted a lot of publicity.

At the partly air-conditioned clinic in the ruined city of Tacloban on Leyte island, a radiologist placed a camera on the chest of 72-year-old Carlos Llosa as he sat in his wheelchair.

Californian engineering company Solid Concepts said earlier this month it had produced a metal replica of a classic 1911 shotgun.

US entrepreneur and inventor Brook Drumm, however, warned that the process of printing a gun would be slow, expensive and potentially dangerous, requiring lasers at high temperatures, lots of power and hazardous materials.

Drumm set up his firm Printrbot to produce printers costing from $400 that print plastic items.

Metal printers can cost around $250,000 (185,000 euros) and “the particulates are so fine that your skin could absorb them through the pores.

The materials are not safe”, he said.

The gun itself -- unless made out of metal -- would also be unreliable.

“There’s a lot of moving parts in a gun and they need to be precise,” he said, adding that he tried to print a plastic gun but gave up because it took so long.

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This 3-D printed lamp by Dror expands from a flattened position to create a shape which, when lit, provides both a bright, warm glow in its center and a cooler, darker feeling around its edges.

“Time-wise, if I was going to print a plastic gun and you were going to go and buy a metal one, even if it took you two weeks to get approval I probably still wouldn’t have it working first,” he said.

- Art Fancy a replica of a Viking helmet or one of the Louvre’s most famous sculptures on the mantelpiece?

American Cosmo Wenman has used thousands of photographs taken in some of the world’s biggest museums to produce exact plastic copies.

The X-ray image was instantaneously transmitted through a wireless router to an iPad and to a nearby laptop.

With a thumb and a finger, the doctor was able to zoom in for a more detailed view of the problem area.

Works he has produced include the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo which is in the Louvre.

“It looks like he has tuberculosis,” Tomioka said after looking at the im-

“If you look at the small print at museums in terms of taking photographs, they say that you cannot put them to commercial use,” he said.

The futuristic-looking three-wheeler is electric but uses petrol at higher speeds.

“But from a practical point of view that is not enforceable and for antiquities there is no intellectual property issue,” he said.

- Cars Canadian Jim Kor’s 3D Urbee car is made out of plastic and stainless steel.

Production designer Kor says if a car company mass produced the vehicle it would be possible to keep the price down to around $16,000 (12,000 euros).

“We want it to be the Volkswagen Beetle for the next century, low cost and long-lasting too,” he said.

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age as the patient was wheeled out.

Japan’s 26-strong medical team includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, cardiologists and medical technicians.

The outfit is able to provide medicine and carry out minor surgery.

Tomioka said Japanese medical experts are seeing about 200 patients a day as part of a large international aid effort to reach the estimated 13 million people affected by one of the most powerful storms ever recorded.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Philippines says 3,633 people are now reported to have died when the ferocious storm hit.

The United Nations said Saturday that 2.5 million people still “urgently” need food.

“The Philippines helped us during our hour of need in the tsunami,” Tomioka said, referring to the global outpouring of sympathy in the aftermath of a catastrophe that cost 18,000 lives.

Japan said Friday it was tripling its emergency aid package for the Philippines to more than $30 million, and was sending up to 1,000 troops to help with relief efforts.

It is expected to be the first time that Japanese troops are active in Leyte since the island turned into one of the biggest battlegrounds of World War II, when US forces counter-invaded in 1944.

Tacloban was the first Philippine city to be liberated from Japan’s occupying forces. (AFP) “It should last 30-plus years. Our goal is that it should be 100 percent recyclable.”

- Jewellery Jewellery can made to ensure that each piece is slightly different, known as “mass customisation”.

3D printing can also make the production process far less expensive and time consuming.

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VOICE OF ASIA 20

Friday, November 22, 2013

BUSINESS Section 2

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Bharatiya Mahila, India’s first all-women bank, opens MUMBAI (PTI): India on Tuesday got its first all-woman bank, which will be universal in nature, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launching the Bharatiya Mahila Bank as a small step towards empowerment of women.

The bank, a pioneering initiative announced in the Union Budget, was launched with a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore and will have seven branches in major cities to start with.

Coinciding with the 96th birthday of late Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the first branch at a function here in the presence of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, coalition leaders Sharad Pawar and Farooq Abdullah, besides Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

Singh said women lag behind men in areas such as entrepreneurial skills, employment, literacy and health.

“The setting up of the Bharatiya Mahila Bank is a small step towards economic empowerment of our women,” he said.

“The sad reality is that women in India face discrimination and hardship at home, school, at their places of work and in public places. Women’s social, economic and political empowerment remains a distant goal.

“We have gathered here to witness the beginning of a unique institution,” Singh said, adding, “The bank will provide financial services predominantly to women and women self-help groups.”

lender for women was mooted at the Jaipur Congress plenary last year.

Pointing out that women account for a paltry 7.3 percent of total credit in the financial system, Congress President Sonia Gandhi hoped the new bank would emerge as a catalyst for gender justice and equality.

The bank has drawn on a majority of cadre from state-run lenders, with Usha Ananthasubramanian as the Chairperson and Managing Director. In another first, the BMB has an allwoman, eight-member board.

The board consists of a business graduate sarpanch from Rajasthan, Chhavi Rajawat, Dalit entrepreneur Kalpana Saroj, who turned around a tubes business, retired public banker Nupur Mitra, academic Pakiza Samad, private equity professional Renuka Ramnath, Godrej Group executive Director Tania Dubash and Priya Kumar, a government nominee.

The bank, headquartered in New Delhi, started operations today with seven branches and as many automated teller machines. It has targeted setting up 25 branches and 100 ATMs by March.

Chidambaram said he has requested the Reserve Bank to facilitate the presence of a BMB branch in each state capital by March. Lenders are required operate branches in rural and urban areas in a fixed proportion.

Ananthasubramanian said the bank will offer women-centric products that other lenders don’t offer, such as funding for a catering business, day care centres and kitchen upgrades.

Chidambaram said the BMB will be a universal bank which will have unique products designed for women and devote special attention to the funding needs of over 60 lakh self-help groups.

BMB has hired 110 fresh recruits, while other staffers are on deputation from government banks, the CMD said.

The idea of an exclusive

Chidambaram said the bank

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Tel: 713-774-5140

Bill Gates, wife head Forbes’ list of US philanthropists

will try to overcome problems faced by women, such as difficulty in furnishing collateral because property not registered in their names, and ensure that deserving women get credit.

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Buffett is second on the list of the top 50 Philanthropists, giving away a total of $ 1.87 billion last year, which is 3.2 per cent of his wealth.

Ananthasubramanian said the Mahila Bank, which has seed capital of Rs 1,000 crore from the government, will offer a higher interest rate of 4.5 per cent on savings account deposits till Rs 1 lakh and 5 per cent above Rs 1 lakh.

Business tycoon George Soros is on the number three spot with total givings of $ 763 million. In 2012, Soros gave $ 285 million to governance and accountability programmes and nearly $ 250 million to human rights initiatives.

Chidambaram said the government will help the BMB in accessing cheaper funds.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is on the fourth spot with a total contribution of $ 519 million in 2012, nearly 2.2 per cent of his wealth.

He said after the bank reaches a certain critical mass on network size, the government will consider listing the BMB on the exchanges or divesting its stake.

Ananthasubramanian said the bank targets a network of 771 branches and total business of Rs 60,000 crore in seven years.

The inauguration of the bank makes India one of the few countries to have a lender dedicated to women.

Women head top lenders in the public sector (State Bank of India) and private sector (ICICI Bank and Axis Bank).

Besides, three foreign lenders and at least three other state-run banks - Bank of India, Allahabad Bank and United Bank - are headed by women.

Gandhi, however, pointed out that only a fifth of bank employees are women and they constitute a low 7.3 per cent of the total credit, she said.

More work needs to be done on these aspects and there is a need to overcome social and cultural barriers that may be hindering factors, the UPA Chairperson said.

Ananthasubramanian said all the BMB branches are on core banking, software for which

The Gates couple gave a total of $1.9 billion in 2012, which is 2.6 per cent of their wealth, bringing their total lifetime givings to $28 billion. (Reuters).

by Yoshita Singh NEW YORK: Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and his wife Melinda have topped Forbes’ list of America’s top 50 philanthropists who have given away the most money in 2012, with the billionaire couple donating about $ 2 billion towards charitable causes.

Forbes magazine has compiled the list taking into account the total amount of money actually given and not just pledged by the philanthropists.

The Gates couple gave a total of $ 1.9 billion in 2012, which is 2.6 per cent of their wealth, bringing their total lifetime givings to $ 28 billion.

The Microsoft founder is helping eliminate polio and combat malaria, including in India, through the Bill & Mehas been provided by US-based banking and payment technology solution provider FIS. FIS, under an agreement with the Government, will provide banking and payment platform to the bank through outsourced

linda Gates Foundation.

Some of his big recipients include the World Health Organization, the Medicines for Malaria Venture and the United Negro College Fund, Forbes said.

Of the top Philanthropic 50, 40 are also on the Forbes Billionaires list, led by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett who are also founders of the Giving Pledge. Each put almost $ 2 billion towards philanthropic work in 2012 - the year’s only ten-digit givers with Gates edging Buffett by a mere $ 35 million.

Zuckerberg donated nearly half a billion dollars in Facebook stock to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation in 2012. He also gave $ 20 million of the $ 100 million pledge he made to Newark schools in 2010.

In order to separate words and actual deeds, Forbes worked with the Philanthropic Research Institute to rank which Americans gave the most in the last calendar year - not money pledged - but actual cash deployed in the field.

“Givers now want to see an impact while they’re still alive,” says PRI founder R J Shook.

The Forbes list also attempts to estimate lifetime giving, with the Gates couple and Buffett both giving away at least $ 25 billion apiece through the end of last year.

Buffett has committed that his entire Berkshire Hathaway holding, upwards of $ 58 billion, will be donated before or at his death, with a further mandate that it will be put to use within ten years of the latter.

delivery model.

ficer Gary Narcross told PTI.

“For Bharatiya Mahila Bank, we are deploying all of its technology forum. Every piece of technology and all the back office services are being offered by us,” FIS Chief Operating Of-

FIS will provide technology foundation, including core banking, eBanking, debit card and ATM servicing and processing, among others, to the country’s newest lender. (PTI).

FEATURE

VOICE OF ASIA 21

China eases one child rule, ends re-education in reform package

C

is a girl, ethnic minorities, and couples who are both only children.

The moves also included reductions on the application of the death penalty, reforms to a widely abused “petition” system and changes in a residency registration scheme.

“There’s no concern about overpopulation in China anymore. Couples are having fewer kids. They’re not replacing themselves,” she said, noting that the fertility rate is well below the “replacement” rate of 2.1.

by Carol HUANG hina’s Communist rulers announced an easing of the controversial one-child policy amid a raft of sweeping pledges unveiled Friday including the abolition of “re-education” labour camps and loosening economic controls.

They were contained in a 22,000-word document on “major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms” released by the official Xinhua news agency, three days after a key meeting of the Communist leadership in Beijing.

The gathering, known as the Third Plenum, has historically been the venue for major reform announcements, and comes one year after new leaders took charge of the ruling party.

Couples will be allowed to have two children if one of the parents is an only child -- widening the exceptions to a rule introduced in the late 1970s to control China’s population, the world’s largest.

The policy has at times been brutally enforced, with authorities relying on permits, fines and in some cases forced sterilisations and late-term abortions that have triggered public outrage.

Critics also argue that it has contributed to the gender imbalance of about six boys born for every five girls, with sexspecific abortions remaining common.

Balance needed

Joan Kaufman, director of the Columbia Global Centers in Beijing and an public health expert, called the relaxation a “long overdue” move that will ease concerns about care for China’s elderly population.

Criminals no longer China will also abolish its controversial “re-education through labour” system, under which police panels can sentence offenders to up to four years in camps without a trial, the document said.

Xinhua said the move was “part of efforts to improve human rights and judicial practices”, which also included reducing the number of crimes subject to the death penalty.

The deeply unpopular labour camp system is largely used for petty offenders but also blamed for rights abuses by officials seeking to punish “petitioners” who try to complain about them to higher authorities.

Under the scheme, introduced in 1957, people can be sent for up to four years by a police panel without a court appearance.

A 2009 United Nations report estimated that such facilities held 190,000 Chinese.

Pressure from the people Pressure to change the system has been building for years.

Beijing’s statisticians warned this year that China’s workingage population had begun to shrink for the first time in recent decades, falling by 3.45 million to 937 million in 2012.

In a high-profile case last year, Tang Hui, a mother from Hunan province, was sentenced for petitioning repeatedly after her 11-year-old daughter was kidnapped and forced to work as a prostitute.

“The birth policy will be adjusted and improved step by step to promote ‘long-term balanced development of the population in China’,” Xinhua said.

Maya Wang, a researcher for overseas-based campaign group Human Rights Watch, welcomed the move but cautioned that the replacement was not yet known.

The law currently restricts most parents to one child, with exceptions including some rural families whose first child

Other forms of extralegal detention remained in place, she said, and “the suppression of dissent continues”.

An earlier Third Plenum in 1978 introduced fundamental economic reforms that ushered in decades of breakneck growth and transformed China.

The economic changes Friday announced signalled authorities would loosen their grip on the world’s second-largest economy, which experts say needs restructuring to ensure longterm growth.

The plans include requiring state firms to pay the government larger dividends and allowing private companies a bigger role in the economy, the document said.

“This will have an effect on facilitating a better competitive environment,” ANZ Banking Group economist Liu Ligang said.

China will also “accelerate the reform” of its household registration or “hukou” system, which bars rural residents from equal access to benefits such as healthcare and education when they move to cities.

The move could bolster authorities’ drive to increase urbanisation as a way to lift living standards.

But critics fear lifting the restrictions could cause overcrowding in major conurbations such as Beijing, and Xinhua said changes would be introduced in small cities first.

Petitions now allowed China also pledged to reform a petition system, where citizens seeking to lodge complaints against authorities often end up in unofficial “black jails”.

“Authorities must respond to and terminate cases within the legal framework,” Xinhua said, without elaborating.

Users of China’s Twitter-like service Sina Weibo cheered the reforms -- although some sounded bittersweet.

“Thanks to the active participation of the public and media and the advocacy of legal activists. This proves the truth that rights can only be obtained through a fight,” wrote one poster.

Another user said of former labour camp prisoners: “Those who paid a heavy price will be emotional tonight.” (AFP)

UMA MANTRAVADI

Experienced, Honest & Aggressive Email: uma@mantralaw.com SAN ANTONIO: 6 8 51 C i t i z e n ’ s P k w y, S t e . 2 2 5 San Antonio, TX 78229 Te l # ( 2 81 ) 8 2 7 - 3 8 3 6

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Your Horoscope (For week beginning Friday, November 22, 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 are ready, smile and openness to everyone may escape you now. Try to reduce your social & professional obligations. Get as much work done, alone, as you can. This is not a permanent hermit condition, just a little time of needed time off, time away from other human beings. You can love people, but you don’t need to be with them, all of the time. You could reveal a secret, or someone else could spill the beans about you. . In either case, discretion would be a wise course to take.

Taurus(B,V,U)21 April to 20 May Getting back on track and meeting your commitments. A mature friend will be able to help you. Thanks to a frank conversation, you get clearer about your responsibilities to the team. Your sense of self-esteem will rise as you realize just how talented you are.

It’s not flash, however, that gets you where you want to go now. It’s solid, reliable work that earns respect, and possibly money. Of course, let’s not rule out the possibility of a fresh new idea! Sometimes you can step into a situation and see it better than anyone else in the room.

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Some responsibilities and professional matters that may make you wonder whether you really want to continue on your current path. The information that you’ve been seeking for weeks may come to you now, but it still might not be entirely clear to you.

Pay careful attention in conversations where facts are handled carelessly. The clues lie between the words. Use your intuition to determine the truth. A person in authority may ask you an incriminating question.

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Don’t be afraid to take the steps necessary to feel happier with your life. An act of kindness or gesture of caring can melt the resistance and get you what you want. Unpredictable events may disrupt your progress greatly. Make plans, follow through & put your power behind your presence. Be careful not to burn yourself out. When dealing with peers, be yourself & you’ll draw energy from deep inside. Follow your basic instincts & you’ll do very well. Exercise your rights & don’t fear the unknown.

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August New doors of opportunity. Your charisma is strong and your personal magnetism is evident. People will vie for your time & attention. You may be invited to travel for business, pleasure. Long distance communication will bring you closer to your goals.

You could use an objective opinion to see the situation more clearly. Ask your partner or a friend for their input. Relationships are the main event. Avoid difficulties, by being more open and honest, with your natural gentleness.

Virgo(P) 23 August to 22 September Your universal appeal & your ability to make everyone in your presence, feel right at home.

Use your creative talents to make changes in your domestic life. If you want to make long term plans, make sure you share them with those who will be affected. They’ll appreciate your consideration. Ask direct questions if you have any doubts. Give yourself some room to breathe. Don’t commit to too many new projects. Time limits will deter you from success. Focus on your priorities. Don’t allow your emotions to make decisions for you.

Libra(R,T)23 Sept to 22 Oct More communication & your ability to express your creative ideas. Whatever your religious beliefs are, you will feel a spiritually awakened, this week. You know it is impossible to accomplish anything, if you try to do it alone. Bring your leadership qualities to the surface & help organize your mutual efforts. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you implement new ideas, procedures. Pay close attention to detail & don’t put serious issues on the back-burner. Objectivity is needed for you to make the best decision.

Scorpio(N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov

Attorney and Counselor at Law

HOUSTON LOCATION: 6200 Savoy Dr., Ste. 414 Houston, TX 77036

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Domestic changes that will improve your outlook. A careless remark could get you into trouble with a colleague, watch what you say. What you consider meaningless information can be very important to someone else. Compassionate friends could help you overcome your feeling of isolation. Positive emotions will promote healing, understanding. Your knowledge & good sense will help more than you expect. When you do something for yourself your energy flows more freely.

Loved ones will lend much support.

Sagittarius(BH,F,DH,TH)22 Nov to 21 Dec The struggle of busy family & social commitments. An intense conversation could be important to you. Reevaluate your past, try to bring out your best qualities, set aside your insecurities. You may need to test your talent of diplomacy & tact, while balancing your emotions. Try not to hurt feelings but you cannot please everybody. You can get others to do things for you if you use your charm. Dealing with “wishy-washy” people may test your patience. Try to keep your workload to a normal level, no more long hours.

Capricorn(KH,J)22 Dec to 20 Jan You need, relaxation & personal safety. Your hectic pace needs to slow down to a more manageable level in order for you to focus yourself. Do your homework, look past the superficial.

Once you’ve thought it out, speak your mind. Be fair to all concerned when negotiating or settling contracts, trading terms. Festive season is a good time to spend quality time with loved ones, but you must start planning your future. Your path will cross with someone who will show you simple ways to increase your potential income.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb Develop the sense of timing & luck. Communications & understanding will increase greatly. Plan outings with family or friends with fun filled conversation. Competition could help your team, especially if you approach it in a positive manner. The goal is not to beat the other person, but only to motivate one another. Utilize your ability to analyze data & you’ll be able to meet important deadlines. Your universal appeal will make you very popular & successful this week.

Pisces(D,CH,Z)20 Feb to 20 March You feel strength from personal and professional relationships. You may need to reevaluate your priorities. Take some time out to do things with children. You may just find they really need more than you imagined. Try not to lose your patience, support will work better than criticism. Utilize your energy to organize, re-build & prepare for changes. Your personal magnetism will give you an edge. Be careful not to mislead others, be honest with your intentions. Recent personal changes in your lifestyle could prove to be a positive influence on others. You may be pleasantly surprised with other’s observations.

Read your detailed horoscope on voiceofasiatvnews.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES & ORGANIZATIONS OF HOUSTON - call Voice of Asia 713-774-5140 Dr.Ambedkar International Mission Inc. U.S.A

Website: http://sites.google. www.avshouston.org.

Contact: 281-313-2366/Email: houston.avs@gmail.com

Prog: India’s Constitution Adoption Day - 26 November on Saturday, November 23, 2013., from 2.00P.M - 6.00P.M. Room No.122/124 . FREE event.

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

Chinmaya Mission

Hare Krishna Dham (ISKCON)

Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya Vedanta Society of Greater Houston Temple Hrs: 9 am to noon and 5

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

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: Shakotsav, Nov. 13 Location: 1150 Brand Rd. Stafford, TX. Contact: 281-765-2277 Web:

Prog: Location: 7601 S. Forest Gate Drive at Woodlands Parkway, Spring, TX 77382.

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

Shri Radha Krishna Temple Prog: Sunder Kand Path starting at 5PM onwards on Sunday November 24, 2013. 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.

Shiridi Sai Durga Shiva Venkateswara Temple (Katy) 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

Arsha Vidya Satsanga Prog: Sundays Free Sanskrit classes in Sugar Land

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

Phone: 832.541.0059.

Website:www.chinmayahouston. org.

QR

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

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

Sri Meenakshi Temple Prog: Friday, November 29, 2013 9 am: New Ganesh Temple Mahakumbabhishekam 12.30pm: traditional Lunch 2-5pm: Cultural program Location: 17130 McLean Road Pearland, TX 77584 Contact: (281) 489-0358 Web: www.meenakshi.org

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus Samee Mosque Prog: Friday Prayer - 1:30 PM Children’s Classes | Interfaith meeting | Location: 1333 Spears Rd, Houston, TX 77067

Imam - Mohammed Zafarullah Contact : Work: 281-875-3400 | Cell: 713-874-4363 Zafarullah_Hanjra@hotmail.com www.Alislam.org

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

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

Website: www.vedantahouston. org

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

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

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

Phone: 713-933-8821 / 9359.

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

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

Hindu Worship Soc.

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

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

NARESH SETLUR, CPA

Superior One Electric

Accounting, Tax Returns, Cost Accounting, Peachtree, Sales Tax, Franchise Tax.

Visit our website www.karanika.net

Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Franchise Accounting

(832) 620.4757 - Email: setlurn@gmail.com

BOOK-KEEPING INCOME TAX Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll

Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations

S. Ram and Associates

Tel: 832-877-9625 Free Consultation asu2020.com

M.D. Associates LLP

Govindaji Gaudiya Math

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.

Electrical Service

Certified, Quickbooks Proadvisor

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

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

Accountants

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

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

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

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

Website:www.saicenterofhouston.org

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

Contact:713-301-6444 Website:

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

Prog: Sundays worship at 4:30 pm, 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

Bethesda Houston Tamil Church Prog: Prog: Sundays Tamil Worship: 5 – 7pm Sunday school : in English. Bethesda

Prog: Location: 520, W.NASA Parkway, Webster, TX - 77598

VOICE OF ASIA GROUP To advertise, call:

Phone: 713-774-5140 E-mail: Adsvoa@yahoo.com Restaurants Bombay to Beijing

Commercial & Residential

KHOA TRINH, Electrical Technician Tel: 832-359-5447 Free Estimate TECL# 27099

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IT Training For all your Online Training needs in

SAP HANA, SAP Businessobjects 4.0 Call 432-558-8326 Email: info@vteaminc.com Visit us at: www.vteaminc.com

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Houston 713-774-6533 Spring 281-251-2205 Dallas 214-722-7545

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

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

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

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

Sri Guruvayurappan Our Redeemer Temple Church

Prog: Satsang every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: India House, 8888 West Belfort 77031 Phone: (713) 855-9818 for details Website: www.jkphouston.org Weekly Radio Program-1460 AM Saturdays 10-11 a.m.

QUICK REFERENCE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Gayatri Pariwar of Houston

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14025 Southwest Fwy. Sugarland.TX 77478 281-242-4242 www.bombaybeijing.com Indian Restaurant

Taste the difference! Cater your next event with us!

Gourmet India - Restaurant & Catering

for home and office parties, Dine in Business Lunches, conferences & parties, On-site dining, corporate lunch packages

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India’s Restaurant & Catering

for special parties and corporate events. Preferred Wine list, Authentic vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes, finest Indian cuisine with chef’s special dishes

Ph: 713-266-0131/ 0805

VEEDONE CONSTRUCTION, LLC. - ROOFING Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Fence WIND & HAIL INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALIST

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CLASSIFIEDS

VOICE OF ASIA 23

Accounting Manager Sugar Land based Management firm is seeking a professional, analytical Accounting Manager to join their growing team!

Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field of study with 2-5 years of experience.

Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and paid time off package offered.

Email resume at hr@vkcgrp.com

FRIDAY, November 22, 2013

Babysitter Wanted Need a live-in babysitter for a 5 month old child.

Will provide ticket for travel.

Place: Seattle (Washington).

Contact: 832-866-0557

This is our Classifieds Section 713-774-5140 Sell anything!

From Garage Sales to Selling a Business Call us. Nothing is too trivial.

14 Buffalo Ridge Cr., Houston, TX 77056 • MLS 49734789

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Gorgeous Tanglewood Area Home

5000 sq.ft with private yard & pool Open House: December 1, 2013 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Carrie Summers • 281-773-4404

CHEF / HOUSE MANAGER

WANTED CHEF/ HOUSE MANAGER Please send us your application including references to fax number 1-832-213-3005.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

HINDI PRAYERS

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

Can we pray for the CHILDLESS couple?

Contact Us 832-773-4457 today!

WANTED PERSONAL ASSISTANT for an Entrepreneur they must be flexible, have a sense of humor and be willing to change on a dime! Part time position for male or female. Please send us your application including references to fax number 1-832-213-3005.

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ANNIVERSARY 1987-2012

The Leading Community Weekly from Texas since 1987

Vol. 26 No. 24 Friday, June 14, 2013 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

HH Chinna Jeeyar Swa- Dr Devinder Bhatia appointed to miji initiates VT SEVA Texas Medical Board and Prajna in Houston

H

O

n Friday, June 7 at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, many gathered to celebrate two initiatives spearheaded by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji – VT SEVA and Prajna. The night began with an introduction to Prajna, a module-based program designed by Swamiji for the youth with the aim to inculcate the values extolled in the Vedic culture. The audience was amazed by the dedication and discipline of the Prajna students after listening to one of the

OUSTON: A prominent Indian American heart surgeon has been appointed to the leading medical regulatory body in the US state of Texas by Governor Rick Perry.

Houston-based Bhatia specialises in thoracic surgery, peripheral vascular disease, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery and cardiovascular disease in his practice.

Dr Devinder Bhatia has been appointed to the Texas Medical Board for a sixyear term along with seven others.

Bhatia graduated from the University of Arkansas and has a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and completed his cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery fellowships at Carolinas Medical Centre.

The Texas Medical Board is the state agency mandated to regulate the practice of medicine in Texas and consists of 12 physician members and seven public members appointed for a sixyear term by the Governor.

HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji

Bhatia’s father immigrated to the US from India in 1962.

The IACCGH and Indian American community congratulates Dr. Devinder Bhatia on his appointment to the Texas Medical Board.

Dr Devinder Bhatia

HCC Trustee Neeta Sane receives Greater Houston Service Award

H

OUSTON – To salute the volunteer service of outstanding individuals, Volunteer Houston proudly presented its 2013 Greater Houston Service Awards to individuals from all walks of life who are transforming Houston through their acts of service. The event was held at the Bayou City Events Center Wednesday, June 12 and highlighted the impact of unique volunteers who are making meaningful changes across Houston-area communities.

Prajna students with Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and Prajna coordinators. Also seen is Dr. Renu Tamirisa, Prajna Coordinator students describe what he has learned in Prajna. This was followed by an astonishing performance by an 8 year old Prajna student in the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam Avadhanam, in which an individual is able to recite any slokam upon command and identify the number of a slokam upon recitation.

Following this was a presentation displaying the activities of VT SEVA or Volunteering Together for Service,

a 501(c)(3) secular non-profit organization that seeks to provide access to quality education and health care on many fronts. The viewers were moved by the four main activities of VT SEVA that include providing education to underprivileged children by building schools in remote and tribal areas in India, providing education to visually-impaired children/youth (Nethra Vidyalaya Junior College,

AP, India), providing free healthcare services and early cancer detection screenings, and promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly activities along with disaster relief to those affected by natural calamities (Gujarat earthquake relief, Haiti and Japan earthquake relief funds, Andhra flood relief, Tsunami relief).

Continued on Page 6

Houston Community College Trustee Neeta Sane is the first HCC trustee to receive a Greater Houston Service Award for her service to HCC and the Greater Houston Area.

“Volunteer service for the betterment of the society has been my passion and making a difference in the lives of others has always been and will continue to be my focus,” said Sane.

To honor the award recipients and celebrate their volunteerism, several executives from corporations and non-

Neeta Sane profits joined event presenters Melanie Lawson, KTRK Channel 13; Greg Hurst, KHOU Channel 11; Bill Balleza, KPRC Channel 2; and METRO’s Jerome Gray.

Houston Community College commends the vision of Volunteer Houston in encouraging and supporting the community service that dramatically affects the lives and livelihoods of citizens of the Greater Houston Area.

Click to read our Online Newspaper Weekly.

Southwest OB / GYN is pleased to announce an addition to our group of caring professionals.

DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR

• Dr. Penkar received her Medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical school in Dallas, TX. • Dr. Penkar completed her residency training at Parkland Hospital/UT Southwestern in Dallas.

• She has received the Three Star award and the Excellence in Colposcopy award during her chief year of residency. Dr. Penkar later served one year as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at UT South western.

Dr. Penkar will be joining Southwest OB / Gyn on August 19, 2013, where she will be practicing both Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is currently accepting appointments. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at 713-774-5131 or visit our website at www.swobgyn.com

DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR

Mouthwatering savings Served fresh at your local GEICO office.

Tom Maler | 281-203-6900 | 4405 Hwy 6 • Sugar Land

Saving people money on more than car insurance.®

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners, boat, PWC and flood coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. The GEICO Personal Umbrella Policy is provided by Government Employees Insurance Company and is available to qualified Government Employees Insurance Company and GEICO General Insurance Company policyholders and other eligible persons, except in MA. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2013. © 2013 GEICO.

VOICE OF ASIA 1

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VOICE OF ASIA

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• READ • WATCH • ENJOY • PARTICIPATE • NEWS • EVENTS • INTERVIEWS • DEBATES • JOBS • BUY & SELL • MARKET PLACE • CLASSIFIEDS and MUCH MORE!

ANNIVERSARY 1987-2012

The Leading Community Weekly from Texas since 1987

Vol. 26 No. 24 Friday, June 14, 2013 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com

HH Chinna Jeeyar Swa- Dr Devinder Bhatia appointed to miji initiates VT SEVA Texas Medical Board and Prajna in Houston

H

O

n Friday, June 7 at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, many gathered to celebrate two initiatives spearheaded by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji – VT SEVA and Prajna. The night began with an introduction to Prajna, a module-based program designed by Swamiji for the youth with the aim to inculcate the values extolled in the Vedic culture. The audience was amazed by the dedication and discipline of the Prajna students after listening to one of the

OUSTON: A prominent Indian American heart surgeon has been appointed to the leading medical regulatory body in the US state of Texas by Governor Rick Perry.

Houston-based Bhatia specialises in thoracic surgery, peripheral vascular disease, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery and cardiovascular disease in his practice.

Dr Devinder Bhatia has been appointed to the Texas Medical Board for a sixyear term along with seven others.

Bhatia graduated from the University of Arkansas and has a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and completed his cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery fellowships at Carolinas Medical Centre.

The Texas Medical Board is the state agency mandated to regulate the practice of medicine in Texas and consists of 12 physician members and seven public members appointed for a sixyear term by the Governor.

HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji

10,000 copies every week

Bhatia’s father immigrated to the US from India in 1962.

The IACCGH and Indian American community congratulates Dr. Devinder Bhatia on his appointment to the Texas Medical Board.

H

OUSTON – To salute the volunteer service of outstanding individuals, Volunteer Houston proudly presented its 2013 Greater Houston Service Awards to individuals from all walks of life who are transforming Houston through their acts of service. The event was held at the Bayou City Events Center Wednesday, June 12 and highlighted the impact of unique volunteers who are making meaningful changes across Houston-area communities.

students describe what he has learned in Prajna. This was followed by an astonishing performance by an 8 year old Prajna student in the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam Avadhanam, in which an individual is able to recite any slokam upon command and identify the number of a slokam upon recitation.

Following this was a presentation displaying the activities of VT SEVA or Volunteering Together for Service,

a 501(c)(3) secular non-profit organization that seeks to provide access to quality education and health care on many fronts. The viewers were moved by the four main activities of VT SEVA that include providing education to underprivileged children by building schools in remote and tribal areas in India, providing education to visually-impaired children/youth (Nethra Vidyalaya Junior College,

AP, India), providing free healthcare services and early cancer detection screenings, and promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly activities along with disaster relief to those affected by natural calamities (Gujarat earthquake relief, Haiti and Japan earthquake relief funds, Andhra flood relief, Tsunami relief).

Continued on Page 6

Houston Community College Trustee Neeta Sane is the first HCC trustee to receive a Greater Houston Service Award for her service to HCC and the Greater Houston Area.

“Volunteer service for the betterment of the society has been my passion and making a difference in the lives of others has always been and will continue to be my focus,” said Sane.

To honor the award recipients and celebrate their volunteerism, several executives from corporations and non-

VOICE OF ASIA

th

ANNIVERSARY 1987-2012

The Leading Community Weekly from Texas since 1987

Neeta Sane profits joined event presenters Melanie Lawson, KTRK Channel 13; Greg Hurst, KHOU Channel 11; Bill Balleza, KPRC Channel 2; and METRO’s Jerome Gray.

HH Chinna Jeeyar Swa- Dr Devinder Bhatia appointed to miji initiates VT SEVA Texas Medical Board and Prajna in Houston

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n Friday, June 7 at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, many gathered to celebrate two initiatives spearheaded by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji – VT SEVA and Prajna. The night began with an introduction to Prajna, a module-based program designed by Swamiji for the youth with the aim to inculcate the values extolled in the Vedic culture. The audience was amazed by the dedication and discipline of the Prajna students after listening to one of the

OUSTON: A prominent Indian American heart surgeon has been appointed to the leading medical regulatory body in the US state of Texas by Governor Rick Perry.

Houston-based Bhatia specialises in thoracic surgery, peripheral vascular disease, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery and cardiovascular disease in his practice.

Dr Devinder Bhatia has been appointed to the Texas Medical Board for a sixyear term along with seven others.

Bhatia graduated from the University of Arkansas and has a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and completed his cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular surgery fellowships at Carolinas Medical Centre.

The Texas Medical Board is the state agency mandated to regulate the practice of medicine in Texas and consists of 12 physician members and seven public members appointed for a sixyear term by the Governor.

HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji

The IACCGH and Indian American community congratulates Dr. Devinder Bhatia on his appointment to the Texas Medical Board.

H

to our group of caring professionals.

DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR

Prajna students with Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and Prajna coordinators. Also seen is Dr. Renu Tamirisa, Prajna Coordinator students describe what he has learned in Prajna. This was followed by an astonishing performance by an 8 year old Prajna student in the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam Avadhanam, in which an individual is able to recite any slokam upon command and identify the number of a slokam upon recitation.

Following this was a presentation displaying the activities of VT SEVA or Volunteering Together for Service,

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Dr Devinder Bhatia

OUSTON – To salute the volunteer service of outstanding individuals, Volunteer Houston proudly presented its 2013 Greater Houston Service Awards to individuals from all walks of life who are transforming Houston through their acts of service. The event was held at the Bayou City Events Center Wednesday, June 12 and highlighted the impact of unique volunteers who are making meaningful changes across Houston-area communities.

• Dr. Penkar received her Medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical school in Dallas, TX. • Dr. Penkar completed her residency training at Parkland Hospital/UT Southwestern in Dallas.

• She has received the Three Star award and the Excellence in Colposcopy award during her chief year of residency. Dr. Penkar later served one year as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at UT South western.

DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR

Bhatia’s father immigrated to the US from India in 1962.

HCC Trustee Neeta Sane receives Greater Houston Service Award

Houston Community College commends the vision of Volunteer Houston in encouraging and supporting the community service that dramatically affects the lives and livelihoods of citizens of the Greater Houston Area.

Southwest OB / GYN is pleased to announce an addition

Dr. Penkar will be joining Southwest OB / Gyn on August 19, 2013, where she will be practicing both Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is currently accepting appointments. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at 713-774-5131 or visit our website at www.swobgyn.com

FRIDAY, June 14, 2013

Vol. 26 No. 24 Friday, June 14, 2013 Published Weekly from Houston 713-774-5140 24 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: voiceasia@aol.com Dr Devinder Bhatia

HCC Trustee Neeta Sane receives Greater Houston Service Award

Prajna students with Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and Prajna coordinators. Also seen is Dr. Renu Tamirisa, Prajna Coordinator

VOICE OF ASIA 1

a 501(c)(3) secular non-profit organization that seeks to provide access to quality education and health care on many fronts. The viewers were moved by the four main activities of VT SEVA that include providing education to underprivileged children by building schools in remote and tribal areas in India, providing education to visually-impaired children/youth (Nethra Vidyalaya Junior College,

AP, India), providing free healthcare services and early cancer detection screenings, and promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly activities along with disaster relief to those affected by natural calamities (Gujarat earthquake relief, Haiti and Japan earthquake relief funds, Andhra flood relief, Tsunami relief).

Continued on Page 6

Houston Community College Trustee Neeta Sane is the first HCC trustee to receive a Greater Houston Service Award for her service to HCC and the Greater Houston Area.

“Volunteer service for the betterment of the society has been my passion and making a difference in the lives of others has always been and will continue to be my focus,” said Sane.

To honor the award recipients and celebrate their volunteerism, several executives from corporations and non-

Neeta Sane profits joined event presenters Melanie Lawson, KTRK Channel 13; Greg Hurst, KHOU Channel 11; Bill Balleza, KPRC Channel 2; and METRO’s Jerome Gray.

Houston Community College commends the vision of Volunteer Houston in encouraging and supporting the community service that dramatically affects the lives and livelihoods of citizens of the Greater Houston Area.

Southwest OB / GYN is pleased to announce an addition

C�������n�� a� y��� �n��� ��p�! to our group of caring professionals.

Served fresh at your local GEICO office.

Tom Maler | 281-203-6900 | 4405 Hwy 6 • Sugar Land

Saving people money on more than car insurance.®

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners, boat, PWC and flood coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. The GEICO Personal Umbrella Policy is provided by Government Employees Insurance Company and is available to qualified Government Employees Insurance Company and GEICO General Insurance Company policyholders and other eligible persons, except in MA. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2013. © 2013 GEICO.

DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR

• Dr. Penkar received her Medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical school in Dallas, TX. • Dr. Penkar completed her residency training at Parkland Hospital/UT Southwestern in Dallas.

• She has received the Three Star award and the Excellence in Colposcopy award during her chief year of residency. Dr. Penkar later served one year as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at UT South western.

Dr. Penkar will be joining Southwest OB / Gyn on August 19, 2013, where she will be practicing both Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is currently accepting appointments. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at 713-774-5131 or visit our website at www.swobgyn.com

A Subsidiary of Voice of Asia Group Serving the community since 1987

DR. SHIRLEY PENKAR

Mouthwatering savings Served fresh at your local GEICO office.

Tom Maler | 281-203-6900 | 4405 Hwy 6 • Sugar Land Saving people money on more than car insurance.®

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners, boat, PWC and flood coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. The GEICO Personal Umbrella Policy is provided by Government Employees Insurance Company and is available to qualified Government Employees Insurance Company and GEICO General Insurance Company policyholders and other eligible persons, except in MA. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2013. © 2013 GEICO.