Voice of Asia Nov 28 2014 by VoiceOf Asia

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FRIDAY, November 28, 2014 Happy Thanks Giving! hile You Select Best Obama Care OR Medicare Health Plan. Read more on page 16 OR call 713-771-2900.

Vol. 27 No. 48 Friday, November 28, 2014 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Bollywood Shake hosts Jhalak with India seeks to reinvigorate celebrity designer Mandira Bedi regional ties at SA Summit by Ammu KANNAMPILLY

ATHMANDU, Nepal | AFP | Tuesday 11/25/2014 South Asian leaders will meet in Kathmandu Wednesday with regional superpower India seeking to boost trade and reinvigorate ties in its backyard, but analysts say little can be achieved while its bitter rivalry with Pakistan persists. The leaders of the eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are meeting for the ﬁrst time since the election of a new Indian government that is eager to avoid losing inﬂuence to rival power China.

Ruchika Dias, (left) Founder and CEO, Bollywood Shake and Designer Mandira Bedi (Rt. ) have a moment on stage with three year old, Bedi’s son Vir. by Somdatta Gangopadhyay glamorous and entertaining celebrity upia and Raveena Tandon, Bollywood TAFFORD, TX - It was an event this time featuring actor, anchor, Shake continues to bring Bollywood evening for all fashionistas sports presenter and now designer to H-Town. Ruchika Dias, Founder and gorgeous ladies who love Mandira Bedi which took place at the and CEO, Bollywood Shake added to to stay colorful adorning the most styl- Stafford Centre on Sunday, November the gracefulness as Pooja Lodhia delighted the audience with her speech ish outﬁts charged by traditionalism 23, 2014. After organizing Bollywood pag- every now and then. tracing roots to India and Pakistan.

Continued on Page 8

eants featuring Preity Zinta, Neha Dh-

The Bollywood Shake, put up another

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold his ﬁrst talks with Afghanistan’s new President Ashraf Ghani on the summit’s sidelines on Wednesday, as New Delhi seeks to develop its involvement in a country that Pakistan considers part of its sphere of inﬂuence. On Tuesday he oversaw a $1 billion agreement to build a hydropower plant in neighbouring Nepal, where China has invested heavily in recent years, saying he wanted to “move forward” with deals long delayed by mutual mistrust. But the mistrust between India and Pakistan -- widely seen as the main obstacle to greater South Asian inte-

gration -- is unlikely to be resolved so easily. The region’s first summit in three years follows some of the worst crossborder violence in the disputed region of Kashmir in a decade, and comes as NATO-led troops prepare to pull out of Afghanistan, intensifying the IndiaPakistan rivalry for influence there. “SAARC’s main problem is that SAARC is basically about India and Pakistan, with the Afghanistan dimension thrown in now,” said Sujeev Shakya, chairman of the Nepal Economic Forum. “It would be far better if SAARC were to break down its structure and a trade grouping were to emerge between Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Myanmar,” he told AFP, adding such a grouping would “accomplish more on the trade front”. Trade between the SAARC nations -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- has grown from under $140 million in 2008 to $878 million in 2012, according to SAARC figures. But it still accounts for less than five percent of the region’s total commerce, according to the Washingtonbased Brookings Institution. By contrast, trade between East Asian nations accounts for nearly 35 percent of that region’s total.

HMNS presents Crystals of India in Sugar Land, TX New special exhibit features 50 jaw-dropping crystalline specimens, opens at HMNS at Sugar Land Dec. 12

UGAR LAND — Discover the Crystals of India at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, on exhibit from Dec. 12, 2014 – May 5, 2015. Originating from India’s Deccan Plateau, a large geologic formation that comprises most of the southern part of the country, the exhibition features a never-before-seen collection of almost 50 of the most beautiful and most perfectly formed natural mineral crystals ever found anywhere in the world. The beds of basalt rock, within which these crystals were formed and found, were created by massive lava ﬂows

from enormous volcanic eruptions that occurred more than 65 million years ago. Some paleontologists speculate that these massive volcanic eruptions may have even accelerated the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period. For this exclusive engagement, the temporary exhibition hall at the HMNS at Sugar Land will be transformed into a jewel box that will highlight these exquisite mineral masterpieces in a setting more beﬁtting an installation of the crown jewels— made complete with dramatic

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“best of the best” and were high-graded from a collection that has been painstakingly assembled over the last several decades. These beautifully crystallized, natural mineral specimens (ﬁttingly dubbed “The Flowers of the Mineral Kingdom”) were carefully excavated from quarries throughout India over the last half century. It is safe to say that tens of thousands of quarry workers blasted apart—and picked through— billions of tons of rock, by hand, in order to preserve these

breathtaking mineral treasures for our visitors to enjoy. Crystals of India is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Local support is provided by the City of Sugar Land, Texas and Sudha Chittaluru, M.D (Internal Medicine) First Colony Primary Care.

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Tickets for Crystals of India are now on sale and may be purchased online. For more information, visit the museum’s web site at www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629. The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land—On Oct. 3, 2009, a historic prison

building in the residential community area of Telfair opened to the public, transformed – as the new Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. This satellite facility of HMNS includes four permanent galleries reﬂecting the most popular exhibit areas of the downtown Museum location. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the 43,000 square foot building and the surrounding 5.5 acres of land that house the museum present a variety of compelling traveling exhibitions. Located at 13019 University Blvd. (at the corner of University and New Territory Blvds.), a visit to HMNS at Sugar Land is always an adventure.

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Dawn of a New Era in USIndia Bilateral Relations

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Voice of Asia (USPS 010-215) (ISSN#10705058) is published every Friday (for a subscription rate of $30 per year) by Free Press LLC, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074. Tel: 713-774-5140. Fax: 713774-5143. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Voice of Asia, 8303 SW Freeway, Suite # 325, Houston, TX 77074 It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or conﬁrmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints. Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. - The Publisher

A Historic Perspective with Promising Future Chandra K. Mittal. by Chandra K. Mittal, M.S., Ph.D., FCP

ince India’s independence in 1947, the United States and India have resembled two incompatible siblings having same parental DNA but different personalities and world view. Their approach towards world peace, economic prosperity and public policy has been at variance from each other. These differences have, at time, even surfaced at international forums like United Nations, and have been expressed if in a veiled manner. Despite these hiccups United States has always helped India in times of need. Today, with recent Obama-Modi Summit in Washington, DC and changes in political leadership in India, new opportunities are emerging for a new era in US-India bilateral relations. In United States,there has always been a natural empathy for India because both were British colonies atone point in their existence and had suffered similar humiliation and subjugation at the hands of the common Masters. Besides, the citizens of both countries share similar Eurocentric culture, social institutions and economic values along with secular democratic system of governance. Further, both honor diversity along religious, cultural, and racial lines as enshrined in their constitutions. In fact, Mr. B. D. Ambedkar, the ﬁrst Law Minister and principal architect of Indian constitution borrowed heavily from the US constitution to create Indian constitution and institutions of national governance. United States also played a pivotal role in the independence of India from the British. US President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the early proponentfor India’s independence from the British. In the 1940s he pressured the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (much to his displeasure and chagrin) to let India go free from the Empire. The Atlantic Charter (August 14th, 1941) agreed between Roosevelt Churchill included India’s independence after the World War II. It was such inﬂuence of the United States that compelled British to grant India independence in 1947. Some believe that British decided on August 14/15 as the date for India’s freedom that was coincident with the date of the Atlantic Charter.

had an all-inclusive public socialistic approach for its economic development because of its mass illiteracy, poverty and limited resources. After independence in 1947, India adopted the path of a planned mixed-economy model which blended concepts of capitalism with socialism. As regards interaction between US and India, in the early phase of post-independent India, US primarily relied on the “Third Party” view of India, i.e. the British view, which hurt India’s pride and was not conducive to building a good relationship. This was followed by global polarity caused Cold War between Western and Eastern bloc countries led by US and the Soviet Union. Having experienced 250 years old colonial rule under British India refused to ally itself with polarized power blocs. Instead, it joined the non-alignment movement under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. This was tolerated but not particularly liked by the Western powers who did not consider non-aligned countries at par with their allies. Additional factors straining the bilateral relations between the two were United States cozying up to Pakistan and China to pressurize India, nationalization of Indian banks, expansion of government-owned businesses, and brief suspension of Indian constitution by Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1975. The relations, however, began to improve in 1978 with visits of President Carter and Prime Minister Morarji Desai. These got further boosted under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan in 1980s. Finally, it was the India’s economic liberalization in 1991 coincident with the end of Cold War that

However, the relationship between these two largest democracies, regardless of the US Presidents and Indian Prime Ministers, has been lukewarm for various reasons. The fundamental disagreement has been due to differences in the economic philosophies of the two countries. While the US was founded and has practiced the market-oriented private capitalistic model for economic growth, India has

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brought US and India closer for economic collaboration. Despite the ups and downs, United States has never given up on India and has remained engaged through the thick and thin of times. The two countries have never sought direct confrontation, perhaps due to their natural kinship and belief system. Indeed, in the 1960s US provided India with food assistance through the PL-480 program under the 1954 Food for Peace Act. Ironically, the stressed inter-governmental relations between the two countries have also never percolated at non-governmental levels involving private citizens and organizations. This is evident from large migration of Indian professional to the United States during1960s and 70s. Today, after decades of economic development, advancement in science and technology, economic liberalization, increase in purchase power, information technology revolution, and a growing population of Indo-Americans in the United States, there is a new reality on the horizon for the two countries. As India has grown economically having the third largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world behind United States and China, the US government and businesses are feeling more assured and conﬁdent about the sustainability of the bilateral relationship in the future. United States and India are today poised to launch a new era of a symbiotic relationship with global implications. Recent visit by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington DC in September 2014 and his two-days of intense engagement with President Barack Obama at the

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Dr. Chandra Mittal is Professor of Biotechnology at Houston Community College, Houston, and Co-Founder of Indo-American Association, Houston. He can be contacted at drckmittal@yahoo.com.

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21st Century presents an opportune time for the two largest democracies in the world to cooperate, collaborate and complement in multiple areas for signiﬁcant bilateral beneﬁt. The political conditions are conducive and needs are complementary for the relationship to grow. The relationship has the potential to stand on its own two feet without the need of any third party involvement as “leverage”. It will require respect for each other’s view, futuristic vision and patience. It is the leadership and resolve on both sides that will determine and deliver on the promise.

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While the United States needs expanded markets for its economic growth, India requires capital investment for its infrastructural development, manufacturing and employment opportunities. These complimentary goals of the two nations coupled with present Indian government opening up defense and banking sector for foreign investment bodes well for a long-term relationship between the two largest democracies.

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

C OMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Second Front Page

Friday, November 28, 2014 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

Supplier Diversity and Certification Seminar by Manu Shah

ergy as the company “one thinks of on hot days and the cold days,” Steve Dukes, Senior Coordinator, Supplier Diversity offered examples of two certiﬁed businesses who worked with CenterPoint Energy in Field Data Management and IT consultancy.

our major certiﬁcation agencies and four high level Fortune 500 Supplier Diversity Managers shared a wealth of information about the advantages of certiﬁcation and the Procurement process with IACCGH members and guests on 17th November at the HESS Club.

Annie Lidge, Program Manager, Supplier Diversity of FLUOR, explained how the Company uses diverse local businesses for their contracting jobs and how certiﬁcation helps. It is also important for businesses to ask themselves what makes them “unique and different” to be able to get a foothold in business contracts.

In a competitive global business landscape, having a unique value proposition may not always be enough for business growth. Visibility, credibility and access to decision making company representatives at expos and trade fairs as well as keeping abreast of the latest opportunities in the field may sometimes clinch a contract and helps business grow. One of the first and best steps to bring visibility to a business and promote growth is to be certified by nationally recognized certification companies. One of the premier certification agencies – HMSDC’s President Richard Huebner – aptly described by IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia as “the father of diversity in Houston” outlined the process and benefits of certification describing it as “an entry point to business.” Certification with HMSDC is a 5 step process and offers the primary advantage of credibility. Corporations primarily look for a company that has been certified to do business with as “it validates who you are and what you do” by an independent certification agency. Certification also offers exposure to market one’s business and access to corporations looking for suppliers. Director, City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity, Carlecia Wright also stressed the fact that certification is key to the growth and success of smaller businesses and offers an opportunity to “educate oneself, connect and grow.” The Office offers a variety of certifications for Minority, woman owned and small businesses and the aim is to “get the company to be that Fortune 500 Company.” A new initiative – Hire Houston First – offers a competitive edge to those certified businesses lo-

From L to R: IACCGH President Sanjay Ramabhadran, Rogelio Anasagasti (HCC), Richard Huebner (HMSDC), Annie Lidge (FLUOR), Kimberly Williams, (METRO) April Day,(WBEA) Carlecia Wright,City of Houston, Steve Dukes, (CenterPoint Energy) Donavan Casanave (Shell) and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit. cated in the city of Houston or the surrounding 8 counties over those located elsewhere, when making a bid for business. “If you are a bold innovative business, then you must get certified,” was President, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, April Day’s advice to the gathering. Being certified with WBEA makes one a part of 12,000 network of woman owned businesses and expands your company’s visibility to decision makers in supplier diversity and procurement offices. It also provides scholarships in professional development opportunities for team members of a growing business. Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, METRO, Kimberly Williams believed that the biggest benefit of certification is the sharing of information and “getting your name and your brand out there.” Being a METRO certified Small Business allows a company to be listed in the METRO directory as a Small Business Program participant, offers technical assistance services and is accepted by the Houston Community College, Houston First

Corp. and the Port of Houston for their business development programs. Shell’s Manager of Supplier Diversity, Donovan Casanave

stressed the fact that certiﬁed businesses must be able to “articulate where they ﬁt in” in a Company’s supply chain. He also encouraged the gathering to attend expos, seek out sup-

plier diversity representatives, ask about subcontracting opportunities, be visible and in touch with the representatives. Describing CenterPoint En-

“Get as many certiﬁcations as possible,” was the advice by Rogelio Anasagasti, Executive Director, Procurement Operations, HCC, as it “opens doors”, visit expos and build a relation of trust with supplier diversity managers. The day’s takeaways was that a business can be successful and grow if it can get certiﬁed, have a unique value proposition, build relationships with decision makers, be visible, outperform competition and as Steve Dukes put it – “hang in there.”

City to Close Non-Emergency Ofﬁces for Thanksgiving Holiday; There Will Be No Change in Municipal Solid Waste Service All non-emergency City Hall Ofﬁces will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 in observance of Thanksgiving. This includes: *City Pkwy.

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Residents who have questions about City services and programs should call 281.403.8500 and leave a voicemail message. Residents and businesses with questions about inspections and permits should call 281.403.8600 and leave a message. City Staff will promptly return all calls. For emergencies, please call 281.403.8700. The Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. The Center will be open on Friday, Nov. 28 from 8 a.m.

to noon. The Quail Valley Golf Course and the City Centre at Quail Valley, 2880 La Quinta Dr., will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Normal hours for both will resume at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and a special breakfast will be served in The Grille. For tee times and other information, call 281.403.5910. Residents who participate in the Municipal Solid Waste Program will receive regular trash pickup. To ensure service, citizens are encouraged to set garbage and recyclable materials

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VOICE OF ASIA 4

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Immigration Update from Willy, Nanayakkara, Rivera and Goins

Executive Action Brings Relief to Millions of Immigrants

The People’s Lawyer

he President’s Executive Action announcement has ﬁnally come. While the speciﬁcs of how the programs will be instituted have yet to be determined, the overview of each program has been announced. The changes provided affect both undocumented immigrants and immigrants lawfully present, and the highlights of the action are as follows:

www.peopleslawyer.net Richard M. Alderman Interim Dean of the Law Center

Now is the time to think about holiday returns Q. I just bought a present to give someone for Christmas. The store told me that if she didn’t like it she could exchange it but that there were no returns. I decided not to buy it because I was afraid she wouldn’t like it, and it was a small store without much of a selection. Is it legal for a store to not allow you to return a gift and get a refund?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be expanded, now having no age restriction. Continuous presence must have begun no later than January 1, 2010 (not June 15, 2007). This will take effect 90 days from the President’s announcement.

A. This is a great question, and with the holidays coming up your timing is perfect. Not only is it legal for a store to limit a purchaser to an exchange or store credit, it is becoming more and more common. When you buy something you enter into a contract with the store. The terms of that contract are what you and the store agree to. If nothing is said about returns or exchanges, the term is what a reasonable person would expect. In my opinion, most people think you can either return or exchange a gift you don’t like, and that would be the contract term if nothing were said.

Deferred Action will be offered to parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (of any age) who have been continuously present since January 1, 2010, and should be up and running within 180 days. As with DACA for children, certain criminal convictions will bar application. Parents will have to register, pay a fee, be ﬁngerprinted, and pay taxes.

The store, however, may change the return or exchange term, and if you make a purchase you agree to the new term. This means you and the person to whom you give the gift are both bound to that contract. For example, a business that post a very visible sign that says, “exchanges only-no refund,” or has a sign near the register that says “no refunds—store credit only,” has made that a term of your contract. If you make a purchase knowing the return term, it is part of your contract. The bottom line is simple—always ask about a store’s return policy before you pay. Q. I ﬁled bankruptcy about eight years ago. It is still on my credit report. How do I get it removed?

Parole-in-Place will be expanded to include families of individuals trying to enlist in the armed services.

A. Most information in your credit report becomes obsolete after seven years and is no longer reported. A bankruptcy, however, may be reported for ten years. There is nothing you can do to force the credit bureau to remove it.

A. The ﬁrst thing you should do is contact your insurance company. It should provide you with an attorney to defend the lawsuit against you. If your insurance company refused to pay because it did not believe you were responsible, you probably have no liability and the insurance company will pay the costs of defending you. On the other hand, if your insurance company was wrong and you are responsible, your insurance company will pay your liability and the cost of your defense. Either way, you should not have any individual liability beyond any deductible.

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Information on each program’s implementation will come out in January of 2015. This is a great day for millions of people that have been awaiting immigration reform. While this is not a new law, it is the ﬁrst substantial change to immigration policy and processes in many years.

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Finally, the government will release detailed memos and explanations as to how L-1B specialized knowledge is determined.

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While already scheduled to become law, EAD work autho-

A coming interpretation will clarify what jobs qualify for AC21 porting of I-140’s to a same or similar position.

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Your stepfather, however, has what the law calls a “homestead” right in the property. Even though he does not have any ownership right to the house, this right basically allows him to live in the house as long as he wants. Bottom line, you and your siblings own the house, but you have no right to evict him. You will need to work with him and get him to agree to move if you want to sell it.

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The Department of Labor will certify more crimes under T and U visas, helping immigrants who were exploited by employers who failed to pay them lawful wages or took advantage of them due to their immigration status.

Individuals with approved I-140’s who are stuck in visa backlogs awaiting priority dates will now be able to preregister for adjustment of status. This will allow people to enjoy some of the beneﬁts of ﬁling for adjustment of status before their visa numbers are available.

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A. As far as the law is concerned, you cannot evict him. As you seem to understand, the house was your mother’s separate property and your stepfather had no interest in it. You and your siblings inherited the house and now own it.

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Secure Communities will be discontinued and replaced with the Priority Enforcement Program. Under Secure Communities, ICE worked in cooperation with local law enforcement to identify certain immigrants with criminal records to effect apprehension and removal, even of immigrants having minor criminal records.

Details regarding changes in visa allocation, including the possible release of unused visas from years before, will be released in January.

WE’LL DO WHAT IT TAKES TO HELP YOU GET THERE

Q. My mother owned her home after my father died. She remarried and left her house to her four children. We would like to sell the house, but our stepfather will not move out. How do we evict him and sell the house?

I-601A provisional waiver will be expanded to include spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. The grounds of showing extreme hardship to the qualifying relative have not changed.

rizations will be granted to certain H-4 dependents.

CONFIDENCE.

Q. Two years ago, I had a car accident. Now the other driver has ﬁled a lawsuit against me in small claims court. I have full coverage, but my insurance company refused to pay, saying it was his fault. What should I do?

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Certain investors will be eligible for parole into the U.S. or for parole-in-place. National interest waivers could become available for entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and founders. Details will be released on the application process in 2015.

VOICE OF ASIA 5

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

Houston Takes A Step To End Global Poverty At Partnership Walk / Run

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Sewa and Vyasa concluded 4th camp to manage Diabetes through Yoga Therapy with City of Houston

The picture shows the DAWN center director (far rt) giving certiﬁcate of Appreciation to Sewa International’s Vishwaroop ji and Dinesh ji

Houston Mayor Annise Parker with Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A members at the partnership Walk.

OUSTON, TEXAS, November 15, 2014 – Over 4,000 participants raced to end global poverty in the annual Houston Partnership Walk at Sam Houston Park. The Houston Partnership Walk/Run is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia. The charity event raised more than $1.6 million for AKF USA

erty to lead self-sufﬁcient and healthy lives,” Mayor Parker, joined by First Lady Kathy Hubbard, served as the Honorary Chair for this year’s Partnership Walk/ Run. The Walk was one of the largest public events for the Citizenship Month, which is observed each year in November to celebrate Houston’s diversity. Dr. William Flores chaired the Honorary Host Committee for the 2014 Walk, which included civic, community and corporate

org/houston. This year marks the 20th anniversary for Partnership Walk / Run events, which will be held in nine major U.S. cities. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction activities including the annual Partnership Walk, Run and Golf events have attracted over 440,000 participants and raised over $63 million for poverty alleviation projects supported by AKF USA. Participants help communi-

“

This was by far the best program in this center with highest rate of retention”, said William Rees ‘Billy’, Senior Consultant with DAWN (Diabetes Awareness & Wellness Network) facility in the 3rd ward area of downtown Houston. The 20 hour program to manage Diabetes through Yoga therapy was conducted in partnership with City of Houston Health department. This was 4th such camps offered by Sewa International and VYASA in Houston. Fifteen residents of third ward area participated in this camp which was spread over 3 weekends. Melanie Gilmore, (Health Planning Chief with Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS), Division of Aging, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention (ACDIP), expressed great joy and shared her happiness that so many participants were could participate and beneﬁt from this program. She and her family prepared delicious vegetarian Soup and sandwiches for all participants and encouraged all to continue the practices which they found

beneﬁcial. She also presented the certiﬁcate of appreciation from DAWN center to Sewa International and Stop Diabetes Movement for bringing this program to DAWN center. The participants were deeply appreciative of Venita Ray who helped in bringing this program to DAWN. Venita also expressed great satisfaction and pleasure to see the camp went so well and that it touched so many people in a positive way . The program was run by volunteer Yoga therapists and Doctors and the participants were deeply appreciative and expressed their gratitude to them for making this program possible. One participant said, “Since beginning of the program, I am feeling that my blood pressure is normal. I can’t wait to go to my doctor and share the good news.” Others also expressed how much they enjoyed and have found useful this ‘pillless’ therapy which empowers them. The program which would have otherwise costed the par-

ticipants at least a $1000 was offered completely free to all participants and supported by all volunteer Yoga Therapists and medical doctors who came from all parts of the city from Katy to Pearland to Woodlands. Stop Diabetes Movement (SDM) originated at SVYASA, Yoga University in Bangalore, India. Through systematic research of 30 years, comprehensive yoga modules have been established that have shown measurable improvement in the various complications associated with Diabetes. The program has been proven to reduce cholesterol and reduce dependence on medicines as well as reduce anxiety and depression associated with the disease. VYASA centers in Houston with help of Sewa International has conducted SDM camps in different part of the city with help of local organizations since beginning of the year. Next SDM at Sugarland is scheduled for Late January 2015. Contact info-sdm@ sewausa.org for further information and pre-registration.

AKF volunteers and organizers with Mayor Parker. programs worldwide. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects supported by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration. “The Partnership Walk is not just a walk,” said Houston Mayor Annise Parker at the Walk’s opening speech. “It is a day of celebration and action to raise awareness about international development, and a chance for concerned individuals to join together and raise resources that contribute to community-based programs oversees – providing people with the tools and opportunities to build skills which will enable families in pov-

leaders. The event was a day of fun for the whole family with activities for all ages celebrating a rich diversity of cultures. Clutch, the Houston Rockets Bear, warmed up the crowd at the starting line before they took off. One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk was the Village in Action, where participants enjoyed interactive exhibits spotlighting the Foundation’s practical solutions for alleviating poverty from Afghanistan to Zanzibar. To learn more about the event, visit www.partnershipsinaction.

ties in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia to create long-term, self-help solutions to lift themselves out of poverty. These contributions make a tremendous impact in creating opportunities for girls in Afghanistan to go to school, for farmers in Mali to feed their families, and mothers in India to lead healthy lives. AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, not-for-proﬁt international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health. The Foundation works to address the root causes

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My House... Your House... Our House! • Free Family Law Consultation: Starting October 7, 2014, every Tuesday from 6 pm - 7pm preferred by appointments. • Free Yoga Classes: Every Tuesday & Thursday from 11 am -12 pm and every Saturday 10 – 11 am. • Free Meditation Classes: Every Saturday from 11 - 11:30 pm • Free medical Clinic: Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. • Free Craft Classes: Every Saturday 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. • Free Kidney Smart Classes: 4th Thursday of each month, from 12 - 1:30 PM • After-School Tutorial Program: Every Monday-Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm. • Sareen Clinic (Harris Health System): Every Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays 9 am to 11 am. • Bollywood & Classical dance classes: Every Saturday & Sunday. • Religious prayers and spiritual fulﬁllment: Every Sunday from 10 am. Visit us Online for details: www.indiahouseinc.org For more information and appointments, contact Vipin@indiahouseinc.org or call (713) 929-1900 • 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 of poverty by supporting and sharing innovative solutions in the areas of health, education, rural development, civil society, and the environment. AKF USA is a non-proﬁt, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.

AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, a network of private, non-denominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvan-

taged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities. The Network’s agencies work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or religion and its underlying impulse is the ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society.

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DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 7

Desi community has an opportunity to be on TV New show looking to proﬁle homes across US

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Amitabh Bachchan to be Chief Guest at AAPI’s Global Healthcare Summit in Mumbai

Working with AAPI, the Bollywood Superstar will promote the most innovative, efﬁcient and cost effective healthcare solutions for India

Banner of Kawan Kitchen Mate.

tar Plus, the leading general entertainment channel in the US, is looking for your home! The channel in association with Kawan Paratha, announced the launch of their new reality cooking show termed KAWAN KITCHEN MATE. The show will be filmed in people’s homes in a quest to answer the perpetual question, what’s for dinner? An open call for entries is now on and people can submit their homes to be considered for the show. In the first season, which is to air late Jan 2015, the show will get to know 13 lucky families and introduce them to America. Every Desi household settled in the US has a story and what better way to get to know them and bond with them than over Food. This unique new initiative will help profile South Asian households and introduce them to US audiences . The show will be anchored by a foodie who will visit these homes, open their refrigerators and show Desi Americans how basic in-

gredients on their grocery list and the contents in their fridge can be used to make innovative & tasty dishes they can use on a weekly basis.

Our objective is to try and offer new ideas and think out of the box while getting to know our wonderful community, said, Walia.

The show is an initiative developed by leading advertising and production ﬁrm – TOUCHDOWN MEDIA INC. Over the past 10 years, Touchdown Media has developed the Metlife South Asian Spelling Bee For Sony Tv, The Oak Tree Shopping Festival for Life OK, a robust broadcast division that produced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Madison Square Garden speech for a worldwide broadcast and now the KAWAN KITCHEN MATE show for Star Plus.

“Star Plus is excited to be breaking new barriers with this show which is for the NRI’s, of the NRI’s and by the NRI’s. The audience we cater to is ready for content that is locally generated and involves them on a regular basis. We look forward to working with Rahul and his team to bring this to audiences across the country, said Guneet Anand, Head of North America, Star India Plus.

The idea which is the brainchild of Executive Producer, Rahul Walia, is to meet with families, couples and possibly individuals across the US and learn about them, share their successes and best practices while audiences get to bond with them. “We all innovate, swap recipes, and come up with creative ways to keep everyone happy, but still the dilemma exists.

“Kawan is the number 1 Roti Paratha brand in the world and we pride ourselves in connecting with our customers and consumers by being part of their everyday life. We are very happy to develop this show and be the title sponsors for something so unique in this market,” said Tim Tan, International Business, Kawan Food Entries are still being accepted for featuring your home and family on the show and one can apply by visiting www. kawankitchenmate.com

Barack Obama felicitates IndianAmerican scientist Thomas Kailath with top presidential medal tributions to science and engineering. Born in 1935 to a Malayalamspeaking Syrian Christian family who hailed from Kerala, Kailath has authored several books including well-known Linear Systems. After graduating from the University of Pune in 1956, Kailath received his Master’s degree and his doctorate degree in 1961, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kailath, 79, receiving the National Medal of Science from President Obama

ASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has felicitated Indian-American scientist Thomas Kailath with the top presidential medal for transformative contributions to the ﬁelds of science and technology. Kailath, 79, received the National Medal of Science at a White House function here yesterday. “Thomas Kailath came to this country from India at the age of 22, with a research assistantship that took him to MIT, and then

Stanford, where he made critical contributions in information theory and statistics, and mentored more than 100 scholars along the way,” Obama said. Kailath received the award for transformative contributions to the fields of information and system science, distinctive and sustained mentoring of young scholars and translation of scientific ideas into entrepreneurial ventures that have had a significant impact on industry. Awarded annually, the medal recognises individuals who have made outstanding con-

He was the ﬁrst India-born student to receive a doctorate in electrical engineering from MIT. Kailath joined Stanford University as Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering in 1963 and was promoted to Professor in 1968, and was appointed the ﬁrst holder of the Hitachi America Professorship in 1988. He is also known for his contributions to the information and system sciences. He was conferred with the Padma Bhushan award in 2009 by the Indian government for his contribution to science and engineering. (PTI).

Aereo’s Indian-American founder ﬁles for bankruptcy

EW YORK: Streaming service company Aereo, founded by Indian-American Chet Kanojia, has filed for bankruptcy citing challenges “difficult to overcome”, five months after the US Supreme Court ruled that the firm violated copyright law by streaming TV signals without paying for them.

The 6-3 decision was a signiﬁcant victory for major TV networks like Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS, who had sued Aereo claiming that it was violating copyright law by retransmitting the shows without paying for them, threatening their in-

“We are honored to have Superstar Bachchan during the Banquet on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015 expressing his support for two long term AAPI initiatives: National Trauma and Head Injury Program and the Hepatitis Research Program,” Dr. Jahagirdar said. India has one of the highest accident rates leading to trauma and head injury. AAPI, in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions in India and the Indian Ministry of Health has embarked on a long-term project to create awareness on the need to prevent, treatment, special care and rehab services to those involved in accidents. Hepatitis is another leading cause and continues to be a silent killer in India, which has led to AAPI’s Hepatitis Research Program. “Through his continued support for AAPI, the most admired and evergreen Bollywood star will promote the most innovative, efﬁcient and cost effective healthcare solutions for India,” Dr. Jahagirdar added. “Harnessing the power of Indian doctors worldwide, the AAPI Global Healthcare Summit platform has evolved with the support of prominent global and Indian medical associations: including IMA, MCI, ASI, IPS, APA, API, ICON, JCI, AHA, Johns Hopkins and GAPIO,” Dr. Jahagirdar, explained. In addition, several international healthcare industry partners will be participating at the historic event for greater collaboration on Research & Development and philanthropic engagements, he said.

Aereo, founder Chet Kanojia dustry’s business model. “The US Supreme Court decision effectively changed the laws that had governed Aereo’s technology, creating regulatory and legal uncertainty. And while our team has focused its energies on exploring every path forward available to us, without that clarity,

the challenges have proven too difﬁcult to overcome,” Kanojia said. Kanojia said Chapter 11 proceedings will permit Aereo to “maximise the value of its business and assets without the extensive cost and distraction of defending drawn out litigation in several courts.”

Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI over the world. “GHS 2015 is accredited from Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education for 14 hours of credits will be applied for each participant.”

jeer, Deewar Namak Haram, Sharaabi, Shakti, Lawaaris, Kaalia, Shaan, Kaala Patthar, Trishul, Don, Amar Akbar Anthony, Sholay, Deewaar, only to name a few.

“The historic Healthcare Summit is expected to have over 300 very prominent and talented physicians and surgeons of Indian origin from around the world and are very passionate about serving their homeland, Mother India,” said, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Treasurer of AAPI.

Things changed so fast for Amitabh that even after crossing the age of 60, he is one of the busiest actors of Indian cinema. Today special characters and scripts are being written to suit the persona and the age of this ever green superstar. Amitabh is not one of those to disappoint- his power packed performance in “Baghban” and the most recent “Black” is a testimony to his undying and unfading charisma as an actor.

Before getting into the glittering world of movies, Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as the angry young man or the Big B of Indian cinema (Bollywood), tried his luck as stage actor, radio announcer and Freight Company executive. Though Amitabh’s first film “Saat Hindustani” sank at the Box Office, “Zanjeer” catapulted him to the status of “angry young man” of Hindi cinema. There was no looking back after the success of Zanjeer as people saw in Amitabh Bachchan their own self- the angry young man that was fighting against the corrupt system and the power brokers, in one film after another. Amitabh Bachchan emerged as a different kind of action hero, a Messiah, a Superhero, who appeared like an answer to all people’s problems. Amitabh, on his part churned out one hit after another including Zan-

“Committed to working towards a just society that is built on humane values, the Bollywood superstar has given his time, talents, resources and his life itself to make India a healthier place for all,” said Dr. Jahagirdar, who is also the Chair of the GHS 2015. “The presence of the Superstar at the 9th annual Healthcare Summit will not only bring recognition to the many healthcare initiatives of AAPI, but will also create awareness and prompt action through the enactment of the right kind of policies and programs that will ensure the most innovative, affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare solutions for India.” For more information on AAPI and GHS 2015, please visit www.aapighsindia.org or www. aapiusa.org

OBITUARY

“The presence of the charismatic star who continues to strike gold at the Box Office even at the age of 60, will be a welcome addition to the many key officials and healthcare industry leaders who will join the 9th annual Healthcare Summit in Mumbai,” stated Dr. Seema Jain, President-Elect of AAPI. “This international health care summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007,” Dr. Ajay Lodha, Vice President of AAPI, while providing the background to the Summit said. Since then, AAPI has organized eight Indo - US/ Global Healthcare Summits and developed strategic alliances with various organizations. “It is these learning and relationships that have now enabled AAPI and participating organizations to plan ahead and prepare for an outstanding event,” added Dr. Ajeet Singhvi, Chairman of AAPI’s Board of Trustees. According to Dr. Gautam Samadder, Secretary of AAPI, the Summit is in partnership with the ministry of overseas Indian affairs and ministry of health and family welfare, along with collaboration with over 10 professional associations from all

In a blog post, Kanojia said Aereo had set out to build a better television experience for the consumer three years ago but it encountered signiﬁcant challenges from the incumbent media companies. In June this year, Kanojia lost a long-pending legal battle after the Supreme Court ruled against his company.

UMBAI - November 20th, 2014) “Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be the Chief Guest at the 9th annual Global Healthcare Summit 2015 (GHS) organized by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from January 2nd to 4th, 2015 at the prestigious Trident Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point, Mumbai, India,” Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, who has just returned from Mumbai after overseeing the preparations for the historic Summit, announced this week.

Susan Cherian: 11/24/14 Houston: Susan Cherian, wife of S.K Cherian who was the past president of Malayalee Association of Greater Houston, and who is also the current Chairman of World Malayalee Council Houston, passed away on 11/24/14 at their home. She was the daughter of late Annam and Varkey Ithapiri. She did her BSC. Nursing from Erode and MSC from Vellore, India. She moved to US in 1975 and settled in Houston in 1978. She is survived by her children Dr. Sabina and Sudeep Cherian, her son-in-law Abraham George, daughter-in-law Sandhya and her grand children Lila and Zacharia.

He added that with so many shifts and advances in technology, there has “never been a more perfect time to take risks, challenge the status quo and build something special.”

were few, the products available were cumbersome and didn’t ﬁt our increasingly mobile lifestyle, and costs were unreasonably high and rising,” he said.

Prior to the Court ruling, the broadcasters had said that if a company like Aereo was allowed to avoid paying the fees, others ﬁrms could also follow, risking billions of dollars in revenue that broadcasters use to create new programmes.

He said Aereo provided the ﬁrst cloud-based, individual antenna and DVR that enabled users to record and watch live television on the device of their choice and the technology spread in more than a dozen cities across the country.

Kanojia said he started Aereo because he was “frustrated” with a “broken” system and no longer served the consumer.

“We have traveled a long and challenging road. We stayed true to our mission and we believe that we have played a signiﬁcant part in pushing the conversation forward, helping

“When it came to watching live television, the options

force positive change in the industry for consumers,” he said. The TV industry titans had been intent on maintaining a system that provides billions in revenue annually and had been ﬁghting Aereo in court almost since its inception, claiming the service was stealing their content. Brought up in Bhopal, Kanojia was a self-described “back bencher” in his youth. After earning an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in India, he came to the US and earned a master’s in computer systems engineering. (PTI).

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Bollywood Shake hosts Jhalak ..... chairs in act.

Finally Mandira Bedi appeared on stage with her three year old son Vir. According to Vir, he enjoyed being here as he responded to Ruchika’s request to say a few words. A Q&A session soon followed where Bedi shared her story behind turning to be a designer, her inspiration for this collection and about her upcoming Spring collection. ‘These colors have inspired me.’,said Bedi when asked about her inspiration as she also remembered to thank all the models.

Host Ruchika Dias, (left) and celebrity Designer Mandira Bedi.

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Sangeetha Upasana in Kaishika Dwadashi Aradhana at Sri Meenakshi Temple

‘I’m at a loss of words,’ said Kanta Chatterji, a proud mother-in-law of Bedi. A press conference was an opportunity to catch up with the well known designer and her daily life, as she stated, ‘Fitness is a part of my life.’

Continued from Page 1

halak was an evening of glamour, fashion and entertainment brought to you by Bollywood Shake and Aalponaa Event Designers. Sailaja Bandyopadhyay, Mumu Choudhury and Piyal Sengupta are the three ladies behind Aalponaa that designed the event with meticulous perfection, creativity and dedication. Portion of the proceeds will also beneﬁt Daya Houston, a local organization with services to help children and women affected by domestic violence. Abhilasha from Daya Houston made a presentation on stage where she spoke with Pooja about Daya Houston. Some evergreen Bollywood numbers were also performed by KekaKar-JeetKar the husband-wife duo. The fashion bazaar organized by Shama Irfan from Studio S was busy, bustling and displayed a brilliant collection of local clothing, jewelry and accessory vendors. ‘I start from casual till bridal wear. I use Jamawar (Kanjeevaram in India) for bridal and off course chiffon for dupatta,’ said Ms.Irfan. Studio S Fashion Show was choreographed by Jasmeeta Singh who organizes, choreographs and performs Indian classical and semi-classical, Punjabi and Bollywood dances in ICC Miss Texas Pageants and other fashion shows for the India Cultural Center. At present, Singh is on the Executive Board, ICC, is a director of the Punjabi Society of Houston and on the Board of Directors of the Interfaith Ministries. The main fashion show event featured three very different designers and their collections which comprised of Radhika Puri jewelry from Austin, Studio S Pakistani Designer Fashions and Feature Attraction – Mandira Bedi

Musicians of Greater Houston offering their devotion through singing devotional songs. by Chittoor K. Ramachandran EARLAND - The annual auspicious day Kaishika Dwadashi was celebrated with great religious zeal on Wednesday, November 19, 2004. By sunset, musicians, music lovers, and devotees assembled in the temple with great devotion in front of the specially decorated Utsavamurthis of Sri Padmavathi sametha Sri Venkateshwara.

Mandira Bedi with her mother-in-law Kanta Chatterji at the event. Photo: Somatta. ‘Joie de Vivre’ collection. Aslam and Abdul from Deco Art Event Planners embellished the stage and venue with beauty and elegance while sound and lights by BJ and DJ Asim from Dholi Beat International added to the magical effect. Pooja Lodhia from ABC 13 was the MC for the night.

A throng of eager crowds followed as shutter bugs were excited to catch some priceless moments in their lens. A proud Ms.Bedi draped in a blue and beige saree with her electrifying smile could inspire working mothers too through her words, ‘I’m a better mom because I’m a working mom.’

A sparkling ramp walk embodying some resplendent colors like ﬂuorescent pink, neon orange, azure, and even other bright colors could steal the show. Each model draped in the bright colorsarees walked the ramp as they displayed a marriage between tradition and style. Mandira Bedi and Radhika Puri fashion shows were choreographed by Raza Hasan, who choreographs all of Bollywood Shake’s fashion and pageant events. Even Bedi was impressed as she commented on the clever use of

Gopal Seyn was challenged to paint LIVE during the Mandira Bedi fashion show which was auctioned after the show for Daya Houston. This Desi born American will be featured in London Magazine next year and his painting won cover price for Art Beyond based in Chicago this month. The talented artist completed the painting in 22 minutes which was sold for $5500. Anand Kumar Chauhan and Dr.Ashima Chauhan bid this generous amount, 100% of which will be donated to Daya Houston.

sphilip@llppc-law.com

Kaishika Dwadashi falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov. 17- Dec. 16. 2014) on the 12th day of the bright fortnight. It is believed that Nama Sankeerthanam of the Lord, sung with perfect shruti and correct pronunciation of lyrics on this auspicious day is an ideal way to seek the blessing. Attending a session of Nama Sankeerthanam rekindles bhakthi in the devotees simultaneously offering pleasant feeling. Legend has it that Nambaduvan, an ardent devotee of Lord Mahavishnu who hails from an oppressed class happens to meet a Brahma-rakshas (demon). The demon was actually a Brahmin who was by curse turned to demon. The demon threatens to kill Nambaduvan. However, Nambaduvan convinces the demon that since he is on his way to offer prayers to the Lord, he will deﬁnitely become his prey after his return from the worship place. The devotee offers prayers by singing a keerthanam in Kaishika Raga and returns back to offer his body to be devoured as food to the demon. Seeing the truthfulness of the devotee, the demon leaves him and gets back to his original form released from the curse. The truthful Nambaduvan attains salvation. Kaishika Dwadashi is observed as a mark of respect to the keertanam rendered by the devotee in Kaishika Raga. This legend is mentioned in Varaha puranam.

The priests Sri Manicka Bhattar, Sri Pawankumar Sribhashyam and Sri Sriman Narayanacharyalu performed an elaborate pooja exclusively integrating sangeetham as a part of the worship. Aptly, all the krithis sung were devotional compositions of highly revered composers. The divine ambiance of the temple remained beyond description. The Wednesday event was the result of a meticulously planned presentation by several leading musicians of Greater Houston. Vidushi Rajarajeswary Bhat took the lead in preparing several dozens of her students as well as many accomplished and aspiring musicians for this event. With ardent bhakthi, all the musicians considered this occasion as their sangeetha upasana. All the devotional compositions sung were enchanting. The opening varnam in raga Behag by T. R. Subrahmaniam was capable to capture the attention instantly. This was followed by a series of well known keerthanas in ragas Hamsadhwani, Mangala kaishiki, Jayanthashri, Sri, Bilahari , Madhuvanthi, concluding with a thillana by Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman and Purandara Dasa’s Dashavathara mangalam. The distinction between this sangeetha upasana from an ordinary performance was brought about by periodic upacharams, naivedyams and aradhana. Sri Mahesh Iyer, the violin vidwan deserves great appreciation for taking effort in organizing this event as well as for participating in the recital. Several young girls and boys who participated in the performance with devotion also deserve great admiration.

The Staff and RAC are to be commended for continuing this tradition at Sri Meenakshi Temple.

VOICE OF ASIA 9

COMMUNITY/DALLAS

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

HAF Applauds Textbook Publishers 4th Annual Life and Soul for Transformational Changes in Health Fair serves with Free Depiction of Hinduism in Texas: Screenings and Vaccines 100 Errors Corrected Washington, D.C. (November 24, 2014)- In a landmark moment for the Hindu American community, the Texas State Board of Education voted late last week to adopt new textbooks that dramatically improve the way Hinduism is depicted.

context in the explanation of caste, including the deﬁnition of terms such as varna and jati detailed explanation of terms such as karma and dharma reﬂection of the inherently pluralistic nature of Hinduism One publisher, for example, wrote:

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) was involved in the adoption process from the beginning, working with scholars and historians to ensure a constructive and accurate understanding of Hinduism. As a result of the changes made by publishers in response to HAF’s reviews, the textbooks now present a picture of Hinduism that emphasizes the religion’s core philosophies with accurate explanations of key concepts.

“In short, one has to live according to his or her dharma, which is deﬁned as righteous action for spiritual advancement. Hindu teachings believe that all beings suffer, but that karma, the law of action and consequence, will govern the circumstances of future births. If a person lives well, she or he will be reborn in better circumstances and have an easier path to achieving moksha. However, karma is still based on one’s choices, and Hindu teachings emphasize that having a better birth does not guarantee progress. The goal is to exhaust all of one’s karma from previous lives in order to achieve moksha, or union with Brahman.”

“This is a game-changing moment for our community,” said Houston-based HAF Board Member Rishi Bhutada, testiﬁed before the state board in September, urging changes to the proposed content. “This is the ﬁrst time that this type of textbook reform has ever been accomplished on a statewide level anywhere in the US, and to do it in Texas, one of the two biggest textbook markets in the country, is amazing.” Educators, several publishers, and other advocacy groups worked closely with HAF to make sure the representations of Hinduism were not steeped in the archaic and inaccurate “caste, cows, and karma” approach that has dominated textbook content for years. With 100 errors corrected, additional changes include: more balance in understanding the disputed origins of Hindu civilization inclusion of Hinduism and Hindus in contemporary world history and geography greater

Another publisher mentioned the Hindu saint Adi Shankara, the ﬁrst time such a reference has been made in an American K-12 textbook. HAF’s Director of Education and Curriculum Reform, Murali Balaji, Ph.D., said that the changes reﬂected rigorous academic feedback and a fact-based approach to teaching about Hinduism. “This is transformational for the Hindu American commu-

nity, but it’s important to note that being culturally sensitive doesn’t mean forsaking accuracy,” Dr. Balaji said, noting reviews by numerous religion and history scholars. “We want to ensure that students in Texas have the most accurate and constructive understanding about the world’s third largest faith, in a state that has the second highest population of Hindus in the country.” Balaji credited an engaged Hindu American community in Texas, including nearly 30 who volunteered to serve as textbook reviewers for the Texas Education Agency (three were ultimately selected), as well as the leadership of Bhutada and HAF Executive Council member, Dr. Rajiv Pandit of Fort Worth, who worked to get members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community engaged in the importance of the review. The textbook vote is ﬁnal, and the textbook changes will reﬂect in materials next year. The Hindu American Foundation’s evidence-based efforts in education reform have been acknowledged in Texas and across the country, including by prominent social studies and history organizations such as the National Council for the Social Studies. For all media inquiries, contact Rishi Bhutada, HAF Board Member, at rishi@hafsite.org.

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Volunteers with Mayors Delores Martin of Manvel and Tom Reid of Pearland at the Health Fair. Manvel, TX -- Love to Share Foundation America (LTSFA) and Global Organization for Divinity’s (GOD) fourth annual health fair – Life and Soul 2014 – was kicked off by the Honorable Mayors Delores Martin of Manvel and Tom Reid of Pearland on Nov 15. Both Mayors had wonderful words of appreciation to the organizations for their selﬂess service to the community, and praised them for all their community initiatives. They also spent time visiting all the vendors and testing stations, and encouraging the volunteers. About 150 people from Brazoria and neighboring counties braved cold, wintry conditions and were served with best in class medical examinations for free. The completely free health fair drew tremendous support from sponsors, vendors and volunteers, who were all constantly on their feet, tending to the needs of all the attendees. There were over 40 volunteers at the fair this year. The sponsors of this years’ event were Frost Bank, Gale

Compounding Pharmacy, Proactive Physical Therapy, Pearland MRI, Bay Area Printing, Best Coupons, Mrs. Janis Schneider, Sanoﬁ Aventis and Astrazeneca, in addition to Texas Medical Association’s grant. The vendors who offered services were HEB – Plus, Walgreens, Alvin Community College and Texas Eye Institute. Physicians who served during the fair included Dr. Deepa Vasudevan- Family Medicine, Dr. Radha Arunkumar - Anesthesiology, Dr. Jyoti Rao - Gastroenterology, Dr. Hema Salvady – Rheumatology, Dr. Ashima Chauhan – Family Medicine, Dr. Nisheeth Goel – Cardiology, Dr. Rajan Kadakia – Cardiology and Dr. Seema Nanda – Eye Specialist. Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri conducted a Diabetes Workshop. The free testing offered included Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Hemoglobin A1C, Complete Lipid Panel, Bone Density, Lung Function test, Electrocardiogram, Glaucoma, Vision and Retina Screens. Flu and

pneumonia vaccines were also offered on a first come first served basis free of cost. The screenings and the vaccines offered had a value of $600 per patient. LTSFA and GOD, both organizations inspired by HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, look forward to reaching out to more and more community members with similar such future events. Apart from this annual free health fair, LTSFA’s social initiatives across the United States include blood and bone marrow drives, food and clothing drives for the homeless, environmental drives, educational supply drives/donations for specialneed schools, medical supply donations to deserving nonprofit organizations in the field and Leadership workshops for youth as well as for employees of professional organizations and businesses. For more information about the nonprofit organizations and its events, contact 281-4026585 or contact@lovetosharefoundation.org-

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

VOICE OF ASIA 11

LIFESTYLE

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 27 No. 48 Friday, November 28, 2014 Section 2 Page 11

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140

Americans Urged To Stop Wasting Food retailers and hospitals. Armstrong, who oversees four successful restaurants and published a cook book earlier this year on Irish food, said an eatery that wastes food is almost sure to go under. He lamented the failure of culinary schools to teach aspiring chefs the economics of using every ingredient to the maximum extent possible. “For the most part, chefs have to learn (how not to waste food) themselves,” he said, as he stripped a lobster and put

the typically undesired bits into a simmering pot. “It’s shocking how many people come to me knowing how to make stock, but they don’t know why we make stock,” he said, adding by way of advice: “Never be without stock.” The National Geographic Society is currently looking at food from all fronts, from its “Food: Our Global Kitchen” exhibition and “Eat: The Story of Food” TV series to the December issue of its iconic yellow-bordered magazine.

Job authority spells depression for women: study

omen in authority appear to be more vulnerable to depression than their male counterparts, a study by sociologists in the United States said. Irish-born American chef Cathal Armstrong prepares a creamy lobster bisque at the National Geographic Society museum in Washington DC on November 21, 2014, in a demonstration of “zero-waste” cooking (AFP Photo/Robert MacPherson).

n the run-up to Thanksgiving, a holiday to celebrate bountiful harvests, Americans are being urged to stop wasting food so much. Some 34 million tons of food is thrown away in the United States every year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Friday. That represents 21 percent of all food produced, harvested and purchased -- food that is worth an estimated $1.3 billion, at a time when one in six Americans face hunger. The EPA launched a social media campaign this week to draw attention to the link between food waste and greenhouse gases produced when unwanted food ends up in landﬁlls. Such waste is a signiﬁcant source of methane, which the

EPA on its website says has “21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.” “There are actions that individuals and businesses can take to protect the environment,” EPA assistant administrator Mathy Stanislaus told reporters.

They found that women with job authority -- the ability to hire, fire and influence pay -- exhibited significantly more symptoms of depression than those who did not.

The typical American family of four, he said, could save $1,600 a year by reducing their food waste. Some 34 million tons of food is thrown away in the United States every year.

On Friday the federal government agency teamed up with prominent Washington area chef and restauranteur Cathal Armstrong, who demonstrated how ingredients that a homemaker might throw away can be put to good use.

- Trashcan is last resort “The trashcan is the last, last, last resort,” said the Irishborn chef as he whipped up a lobster bisque in a kitchen adjoining an ongoing exhibition about food around the world

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Women in authority suffer more mental health

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at the National Geographic museum. While 40 percent of food waste comes from households, 60 percent originates from businesses and institutions, such as restaurants, food

“In contrast, men with job authority have fewer symptoms of depression than men without such power,” said University of Texas sociology professor Tetyana Pudrovska, who led the study. The difference might be due to women with authority in the workplace being judged negatively when acting with conﬁdence and assertiveness, prompting chronic stress, Pudrovska said.

“What’s striking is that women with job authority in our study are advantaged in terms of most characteristics that are strong predictors of positive mental health,” Pudrovska added. They might have more education, better pay, more prestigious occupations and higher levels of job satisfaction and autonomy, “yet they have worse mental health than lower-status women,” she said. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, appears in the December issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

LEISURE

VOICE OF ASIA 13

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

SUVs Rule The Road At LA Auto Show

by Veronique DUPONT With US gas prices at historic lows and ever-more economical engines, sport utility vehicles (SUV) increasingly rule the road -- and not only in the United States.

“Customers feel the idea of freedom,” said Jim Farley, vice-president of global sales at Ford, presenting the US carmaker’s new Explorer at the LA show, which runs until November 30.

But besides seducing families and ordinary motorists, SUV makers also want to reach the so-called 0.1 percent. Porsche has led the charge for that wealthy segment with its highly successful Cayenne.

“We have reached a tipping point,” where SUVs are more popular than sedans and have entered the mainstream, Farley -- whose company is the biggest SUV maker in America -- told AFP.

The German automakers’ top-tier rivals are also trying to muscle in on the action, such as Jaguar which unveiled a prototype crossover, the CX17, a year ago.

Nearly one vehicle in ﬁve sold globally is an SUV, while in the United States the ﬁgure is one in three.

“The reception was phenomenal,” Jaguar North American product manager Tim Philippo told AFP.

The car category has come a long way since its early days, when SUVs were huge things mounted on a truck chassis, guzzling gas and equipped with four-wheel drive for rough terrains.

But these days SUVs -- or crossovers -- are rarely seen off road and are frequently built on a car chassis. There is a whole range of formats, from the biggest including the Ford Escalade, Toyota Sequoia or Jeep Grand Cherokee to the most compact like the Mazda CX-3, the Honda CRV 2016 and the Volvo 2015 XC90, all unveiled

by Brittany SCHELL The historic heart of this small US town was trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue for “Return Day,” but only a part of the community celebrates this 200-year-old tradition marking the end of elections.

The high-end brand has beneﬁted from the experience of its British sister company Land Rover, which has long specialized in luxury 4x4 vehicles. Maserati and Bentley are also developing their own versions. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show media preview, November 19, 2014 in California (AFP Photo/Robyn Beck ) in LA. US car sales rose by six percent year-on-year in October, led by SUVs: specialist brand Jeep (part of the Fiat Chrysler group) is up 52 percent, but the trend extends to others, including Honda, Toyota and General Motors.

- Symbol of success Bill Fay, vice-president of Toyota in the United States, said October sales were the best monthly results in 10 years, fueled by a strong demand for SUVs. Mid-sized 4x4s are the biggest seg-

ment of the US car market, and there is a growing demand for compact SUVs, said Jack Nerad, an analyst for the Kelley Blue Book, which surveys US auto prices. The spacious vehicles are also wooing motorists with their practicality: high driver seat for good visibility,

Parallel Lives In Small Town America

People from longstanding Delaware families gathered to hear results from the town crier and eat roast ox sandwiches, but a few blocks away from the historical trappings it was just another day at El Mercado.

“It’s a classic immigration story,” Horowitz said. “There’s a lot of chaos, then the community stabilizes.”

“It’s an exponential problem,” said school board member Donald Hattier. “If you’ve already planned your budget for a certain number of kids, and all of a sudden somebody drops that many kids on you, it takes resources away from kids that are already here.”

Workers take down the stage after the Return Day parade in Georgetown, which saw this small Delaware town trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue for an event only a part of the community celebrates (AFP Photo/Jim Watson).

On Thursday, President Barack Obama pledged to overhaul what he called America’s “broken” immigration system by offering protection from deportation to some ﬁve million undocumented migrants, a move the Republicans have vowed to ﬁght.

booming poultry industry.

In Georgetown, there was resistance from some in the traditional community when the inﬂux began, and some ugly incidents. But the two groups now live parallel lives, side-by-side but largely separate.

He worked in poultry plants and restaurants, trying to make a new life with his wife, an immigrant from Mexico.

“I always wanted to get a better life, follow the American dream,” said Guox, who lived in the shadows until he was granted political asylum and then US citizenship.

A few years ago he bought the prem-

ises from which he was once barred and turned it into “La Quetzalteca”, a Mexican restaurant named after the Guatemalan currency the quetzal. But Guox still has the police report from that night, a reminder of how far he, and the town, have come. Over the past two decades a number of restaurants, stores and services have opened in Georgetown catering to the growing Hispanic population.

“We’ve still got some people that are old school, who don’t want to change,” said Mayor Bill West. “But I’m telling people, ‘we’ve got to change.’ They’re here to stay. Let’s make this work.”

Venice declares war on noisy suitcases

In 1990, the census recorded just 75 people of Hispanic origin in Georgetown, but now the small town boasts one of the highest concentrations of Guatemalans in the United States.

OME, Italie _ Famed for the serene silence of its timeless nooks and crannies, Venice is about to get even quieter ... by banning noisy suitcases on wheels.

In the fall of 1993, tensions rose when a Guatemalan, driving drunk and without a license, hit and killed a teenage girl. The incident left a sense of distrust that lingered for years, according to Delaware historian Roger Horowitz.

Residents of Italy’s ﬂoating city have had up it to here with the roundthe-clock rumble of luggage being dragged across cobblestoned alleyways and bridges by a large proportion of the 27 million visitors who ﬂock there every year.

“We walked in the door, and the owner of the restaurant told us we were not allowed to be in there,” he said. Guox called the police, but the owner refused to back down.

have also set up shop in Georgetown. Immigrants are buying houses and starting families.

The arrival at Sussex Central High School of at least 70 new students, many who spoke no English, took the school district by surprise.

Today, almost half of Georgetown’s 6,400 residents identify as Hispanic, and many still speak Spanish. Most are from Guatemala and have arrived since the early 1990s.

Gerson Guox, who ﬂed Guatemala’s bloody civil war in 1990, remembers getting kicked out of a restaurant on the edge of town when he tried to have dinner with his brother.

“In the eyes of Bentley, the SUV is not just supremely capable in any environment, it is also supremely comfortable -- and with new vistas on the world, you will see through new eyes,” it says.

Earlier this year more than 100 young migrants were placed in Delaware by the federal government, a handful of the 68,000 unaccompanied minors who crossed the border into the US and made headlines over the summer.

As a man bought chicken feet from the butcher counter and Spanish-language news played on a television in the back, the teenage girl running the cash register asked: “What’s ‘Return Day’?”

- Fighting intolerance -

Bentley’s website depicts its new vehicle heading off into desert dunes, saying: “The new Bentley SUV is changing how people think about allterrain vehicles.

But a more recent wave of newcomers has forced the town to adapt once again.

The supermarket serves the immigrant families who have transformed the small community of Georgetown in the past 20 years.

The small town reﬂects how immigration is changing the face of the US, which is thought to be home to some 11.3 million illegal immigrants -- mostly from Mexico and Central America.

In some countries, such as China where SUVs are also in high demand, they are a symbol of success. “In China it is less about utility, more about status. Bigger is better,” Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with car website Edmunds.com told AFP.

At least that’s the message from the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opened to the public Friday.

In 2008, when gas prices were at their peak, the market appeared permanently stalled.

comfortable and big enough even for larger families with hefty luggage.

And their mounting irritation has prompted city authorities to draw up draft rules which will, from next year, see tourists become liable for ﬁnes of up to 500 euros ($627) if they fail to switch to noise-free wheels which are either made of rubber or air-ﬁlled -- or simply opt to carry their luggage to and from their hotels.

He told the story with a laugh, sitting in the same building more than a decade later.

The ban also targets trolleys used by workers for the ﬁnal leg of goods deliveries to businesses and residences within the city and local ofﬁcials appear to be counting on bag manufacturers coming up with Venice-friendly models.

Guox arrived in Georgetown via Los Angeles in 1993, part of a wave of Latin Americans drawn by jobs in the

Italian media said residents of the car-free city would be exempted from the ban although there was no mention

- ‘A classic immigration story’ The Kimmeytown neighborhood has become a vibrant Little Guatemala where residents can buy a quinceanera dress, grab a copy of the newspaper “Hoy en Delaware” or get a taste of home. Organizations like La Esperanza community center, Habitat for Humanity, and La Red Health Center

Responding quickly, Indian River School District in September launched a program designed for the new students, and is making plans in case there are more unexpected arrivals. At La Quetzalteca, it’s hard to imagine a time when Hispanics were not welcome. One of Guox’s daughters darted in and out of booths where diners are greeted in Spanish and English. “When I get up every day, I say to myself, ‘Gerson, act like this is your ﬁrst day in America’,” Guox said. “’But use everything you have now, and compare it to what you had when you came over here’.”

of the provision, which would be of questionable legality, in a statement issued by the local council on its plans. “The rule is designed to respond to the numerous citizens who have in recent years complained to the local council about the serious irritation caused by stuff being moved about at times of the day and night when the law provides for protection against noise pollution,” the statement said. Ofﬁcials also said that cushioned wheels were required to protect the city’s ancient paving.

Tourists walk on platforms to cross the ﬂooded Saint Mark’s Square in Venice on November 7, 2014 after heavy rains

Astronauts to get ‘ISSpresso’ coffee machine

istretto or lungo? Not a question astronauts on the International Space Station normally have to contemplate, but that is about to change thanks to a new zero-gravity coffee machine being delivered this weekend. The ISSpresso machine is set to boldly go to the orbital station this weekend, carried there by Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. Astronauts on the station will ﬁnally be able to enjoy a decent brew thanks to the 20-kilogramme ma-

chine designed by famed Italian coffee makers Lavazza and engineering ﬁrm Argotec, which specialises in making space food.

Cristoforetti, 37, who is also a captain in the Italian airforce, “will be not only the ﬁrst female astronaut from Italy to go into space, but also the very ﬁrst astronaut in the history of the conquest of space to savour an authentic Italian espresso in orbit,” the two companies said in a statement. The designers say it uses “extrater-

restrial” capsules and can operate in “microgravity” conditions. “ISSpresso is a technological achievement that conforms to the technical requirements and ultrastrict security measures imposed on us by the Italian space agency,” said David Avino, Argotec’s director general. Among the challenges for the engineers was ﬁguring out how to get the liquids ﬂowing properly in zero gravity. Its steel components also had to be able to withstand enormous pressure.

Young Life

VOICE OF ASIA 14

Friday, November 28, 2014

Section 2

Page 14

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Strengthening the AAPI Community Through New Bullying Prevention Efforts

Kiran Ahuja Posted by Kiran Ahuja Hines Ward, retired NFL wide receiver and former member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Paciﬁc Islanders, shares his story on bullying. (Watch on YouTube). More than one-quarter of students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported being bullied at school during the 2010-11 school year — nearly 7 million students. Some Asian American and Paciﬁc Islander (AAPI) students face bullying and harassment based on their immigration status, such as Micronesian students whose families have recently immigrated to the continent and Hawaii. Others are bullied for the way they look, such as turbaned Sikh youth, or for their English language skills. Students who are bullied don’t feel safe, and students who don’t feel safe can’t learn. Students involved in bullying are more likely to have challenges in school, to abuse drugs and alcohol, and to have physical and mental health issues. Being bullied endangers

students’ academic achievement and ultimately their college and career readiness. And in some areas, bullying of AAPI students is rampant. For example, one 2014 study found that over two-thirds of turbaned Sikh youth in Fresno, California reported experiencing bullying and harassment. And another recent study found that half of the 163 Asian American New York City public school students reported experiencing some kind of bias-based harassment in a 2012 survey, compared with only 27 percent in 2009. When children are singled out because of a shared characteristic — such as race, sexual orientation, or religion — or a perceived shared characteristic, the issue not only affects that individual but the entire community. Policymakers believe that AAPI students who are bullied face unique challenges, including religious, cultural, and language barriers. In addition, there has been a spike of racial hostility following the September 11 attacks against children perceived to be Muslim. The classroom should be the safest place for youth, but for some AAPI students, it can be a very dangerous environment. Unfortunately, this issue of AAPI harassment is nothing new. In 1982, Vincent Chin became a household name in AAPI homes when he was attacked and killed because he was mistakenly perceived to be Japanese. To facilitate a conversation on this issue, in 2011, under the leadership of Amardeep Singh, former member of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Paciﬁc Islanders (WHIAAPI) hosted a Bullying Prevention Summit in New York City. However, more work needs to be done. Earlier this month, on the ﬁfth anniversary of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the White House announced several efforts to address hate crimes, including a new Interagency Initiative on Hate Crimes. As

Kiran Ahuja is Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Paciﬁc Island.

Tel: 713-774-5140

‘Anti-Barbie’ Doll Goes On Sale In The US idea after searching for a doll to buy as a gift and discovering that “all the dolls looked like supermodels.”

a part of these efforts, WHIAAPI, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is launching the AAPI Bullying Prevention Task Force to proactively address bullying in the AAPI community. In the wake of increasing concerns about the high rates of bullying among Sikh youth and incidents such as the attacks on as many as 30 Asian American students at South Philadelphia High School in December 2009, the AAPI Task Force will help ensure that the AAPI community is aware of federal resources and remedies available to them. The AAPI Task Force brings together federal experts in civil rights, language access, education, community relations, public health, mental health, and data to ﬁnd creative solutions to help the AAPI community. These experts will coordinate the efforts of their federal agencies to work closely together with stakeholders to better understand the impediments to seeking relief and support, analyze data regarding the prevalence of bullying in the AAPI community, improve outreach, develop training and toolkits for schools, students, and parents, and explore and recommend policies to address the AAPI community’s growing concerns about bullying of AAPI youth. Building upon previous efforts and working closely with federal representatives and community leaders, I look forward to seeing the AAPI Bullying Prevention Task Force make much needed progress on this very important issue in the AAPI community and furthering our commitment to improving the quality of life of AAPIs. Join the conversation on AAPI bullying prevention on Twitter using hashtag #AAPIstrong.

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

“There’s nothing wrong with being a supermodel but I just had the impression that the wall of supermodels suggests that something is wrong with you if you don’t look like one,” Lamm explained. “I created an alternative to suggest that it’s okay to not look like a supermodel, it’s okay to look like a normal person.”

This photo obtained November 21, 2014 courtesy of Lammily.com shows the Lammily doll (AFP Photo/ Handout) She’s short, brunette, has an average body shape and can even be given cellulite and acne: the ‘anti-Barbie’ doll is ready to go on sale in the United States. The brainchild of 26-year-old graphic designer Nickolay Lamm, the “Lammily” doll will begin shipping next week with the sales pitch that “average is beautiful.” Lamm told AFP he came up with the

Lamm based the physique of his doll from statistics provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calculating that the “average” 19-year-old was ﬁve feet, four inches (163.3 centimeters) tall, weighed 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and measured 33.5 inches (85 centimeters) around the chest. He contrasted those vital statistics to a Barbie, which is skinnier, taller and more blonde. Lamm raised money for mass production of his doll by crowdfunding. So far, he has received some $225,000 worth of advance orders for the doll, which will sell at $25. Starting in January, a clothing line will be available as well as stickers depicting acne or cellulite.

Teaser trailer for the new “Star Wars” to be released A teaser trailer for the new “Star Wars” movie will be released Friday, according to the director of the upcoming seventh ﬁlm in the iconic franchise. “A tiny peek at what we’re working on -- this Friday, in select theaters,” tweeted ﬁlmmaker J.J. Abrams, adding that the trailer will be 88 seconds long.

“Hope you enjoy, and have a most excellent Thanksgiving,” he said, referring to the US national holiday this Thursday. Earlier this month studio giant Disney revealed the name of the new ﬁlm, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” saying ﬁlming had been completed on the movie, due for released on December 18, 2015.

Teenage Jeff Koons ‘Knew Nothing’ About Art he has had with a former assistant and with whom he now divides his time between a farm in Pennsylvania and New York. The 59-year-old, looking relaxed and impeccably dressed as ever in a sharp suit, explained he was on a “very balanced diet” and gobbled down a nutty protein bar before the interview.

US artist Jeff Koons poses next to his sculpture ‘Balloon Dog’ during an exhibition preview at the Fondation Beyeler museum in Basel, Switzerland, on May 11, 2012 (AFP Photo/Fabrice Coffrini) by Pascale MOLLARDCHENEBENOIT

e may be the highestselling artist alive, but on his ﬁrst day at art school Jeff Koons had a crushing realisation: he “knew nothing” about the world he was about to join. Today likened to the pop art icon Andy Warhol, the teenage Koons was lucky to survive the bolt that hit him as a 17-year-old newcomer to the Maryland Institute College of Art. “We went on a bus to see a great cubism collection. I didn’t know who Cezanne was, who Matisse was... I didn’t grow up with that background,” the US mega-artist told AFP ahead of a retrospective opening in Paris Wednesday. “When I was 17, I realised that I knew nothing about art.” The Pennsylvania-born Koons had been taking drawing lessons since the tender age of ﬁve, and as a young teen was already copying works by the old masters, proudly displayed in the window of his father’s home decoration store. But that did not stop the budding artist feeling utterly belittled by the history of art with a capital A.

“I survived that day but I think that a lot of people never survive that moment,” he said. “They become lost. They feel like it’s already too late for them to ever participate.” Koons did more than survive, he went on to smash world auction records when his Balloon Dog (Orange) sold last year for $58.4 million (47.2 million euros) -- the most money for any work by a living artist and the most for a contemporary sculpture. His fame extends beyond the art world, hitting the headlines for his colourful personal life and association with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, who made his art a centrepiece of her most recent album launch. For three years in the early 1990s, he was married to Ilona Staller, a former Italian lawmaker and porn star widely known by her stage name Cicciolina, who once offered to have sex with now executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to avert the ﬁrst Gulf War. It was this marriage that provided the inspiration for Koons’ most controversial work, “Made in Heaven”, a graphic depiction of the couple having sex that sparked outrage. - No stranger to criticism -

Keenly aware of his tricky ﬁrst brush with high art, Koons says he wants to make his art “accessible through the experience of it... which does not intimidate.” “Not necessarily that I want my work to be popular but accessible,” explained the artist, today rivalled only by Britain’s Damien Hirst in commercial success. “When I make an artwork, I want the viewers to feel that whatever their background, they never feel unworthy.” He has been no stranger to criticism, including in France, where an exhibition in 2008 at the historic Palace of Versailles featuring a bright red inﬂatable lobster and a spaceman-like silver “rabbit”, split opinion to say the least. Does the artist feel misunderstood? He replies cryptically: “I believe criticism and judgements prevent people from experiencing art.” “I remember I made art magazine ads. In one of them I had myself photographed with a big pig and a baby big in my arms. I wanted to call myself a pig before anyone else could.” These days Koons wants to be an example to the six children

He looks fondly on France, the ﬁrst country he set foot in apart from the United States and recalls a lunch with former president Jacques Chirac in 2000. “For an American artist, it is unbelievable to sit down and have lunch with the president of a country like France. It was such a symbol of the openness of this country,” Koons said.

The retrospective runs at the Pompidou Centre in Paris from Wednesday until April, where it then moves to the Guggenheim Museum in the Spanish city of Bilbao. It was previously displayed in the artist’s hometown of New York at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

VOICE OF ASIA 15

BOLLYWOOD MASALA

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Friday, November 28, 2014

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It’s a boy for Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza

Tel: 713-774-5140

Katrina Kaif beats Deepika Padukone to win Maxim India’s HOT 100 list, 2014!

Genelia and Riteish at Arpita Khan’s wedding reception. Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza have been blessed with a baby boy. The actor took to Twitter to express his happiness and tweeted, “It’s a BBBOOOOYYYYYY!!!!!!!!”. Twiterrati poured in good wishes for the proud father. Riteish and Genelia are one of the most adorable couples in Bollywood. They tied the knot in February, 2012.

Kim Kardashian Scraps India ‘Big Brother’ Cameo

EW DELHI - US reality TV queen Kim Kardashian announced she had cancelled plans Friday to travel to India where she was to have made a guest appearance in the local version of Big Brother.

Kardashian was to due to have appeared on the programme which is known in India as “Bigg Boss” on Saturday night and interact with the contestants.

The actress recently moved in with her beau Ranbir Kapoor and has beat the latter’s ex-girlfriend Deepika to secure the top position on the hot list! Earlier this year Deepika has defeated Kat to become SHM’s sexiest

woman alive. But seems like Katrina will continue giving a tough ﬁght to the Happy New Year actress for a long time! The ﬁght of the hottest divas will continue and we are excited to see who will emerge as the ultimate winner of the two! “It is the year of Kat” as Maxim India rightly puts it but will Ms Kaif continue to rein over Bollywood? Only time will tell!

Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth’s Adoring Fans Have Inspired Amsterdam-Based Young Filmmaker Rinku Kalsy To Make A FeatureLength Documentary On The Actor

Kim Kardashian The participants, mostly models and actors, are locked in a house for 90 days without access to phones or the Internet.

The curvaceous 34-year-old created a stir recently when she bared her body in US-based Paper magazine with the caption “Break the Internet”.

More than 150 million viewers watched the show last year, making it the most viewed of any of India’s television reality shows.

One of the poses, in which she was wearing a black-sequined gown, shows her pouring champagne into a glass balanced on her bottom.

Mr. India‘s Director talks about the set backs that Hindi ﬁlm industry may have to face.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who was the guest speaker at the session, said that this practice hampering the business of regional cinema. “Regional cinema is making some brilliant films. Marathi and Tamil films are making films much bigger than Bollywood movies. But they hardly get any opening due to our big stars and huge number of prints released. They can’t wait much to release their films in India because most of them take their films to festivals to generate buzz. If they delay it further their films get into the piracy market,” he said. Kashyap, who has supported several small-budget films and issue-based documentaries, said that he turned producer to fund those movies which he wanted to see as an audience

dazzled viewers with her hot performance in Bang Bang opposite Hrithik Roshan this year and her career graph is only skyrocketing up from there!

Documentary on Fandom of Rajinikanth Soon

Shekhar Kapur: Hindi cinema is heading towards collapse

Director Shekhar Kapur feels that the business of Hindi cinema will collapse soon as more and more Bollywood ﬁlms are being released in large numbers to reach the Rs 100 crore mark quickly. The 68-year-old Elizabeth helmer said people called him ‘mad’ when he released 350 prints of his 1987 blockbuster ‘Mr India’.“I remember people calling me mad when I had released 350 prints of Mr India. They said nobody releases ﬁlm in that large numbers and I am just wasting my money. ”But now the scenario has changed. Filmmakers release 4000-5000 prints in order to quickly reach the 100 crore mark. Seeing this trend, I feel business of Hindi cinema is heading towards collapse,” said Kapur while addressing a master class on the sidelines of NFDC’s Film Bazaar.

The Bang Bang actress has sure emerged a big winner this year! Katrina Kaif has defeated Deepika Padukone to be titled as the hottest woman on this year’s Maxim India Hot 100 list! Kat’s sexiness has not just charmed fans in India but overseas as well! The actress

“To all my wonderful fans in India, I’m so disappointed I wasn’t able to come to India as planned,” she wrote on Twitter. “When the opportunity presented itself to make the trip, there was a short window to coordinate all the elements necessary to make it happen. Unfortunately time ran out so the trip has been cancelled,” she added.

Katrina Kaif (left0 gets into Maxim list, defeates Deepika Padukone

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s adoring fans have inspired Amsterdam-based young ﬁlmmaker Rinku Kalsy to make a feature-length documentary on the actor. Titled as Love of a Man the documentary features the madness of Lingaa star’s admirers in Tamil Nadu during his illness. It also shows how fans exhaust their life’s investments on him before the release of a ﬁlm. “The whole idea of this documentary was looking at Rajinikanth through the eyes of his fans. I spent four years with the fans in Tamil Nadu, trying to understand how they and their household functions when their star is ill and how does it affect their households,” Rinku told PTI. Rinku conceived the idea of making a documentary through a friend, who travels all the way from Michigan to teach kids in the small villages in Tamil Nadu.

Director Shekhar Kapur

“Joyjeet Pal (friend), who is also the producer of the documentary, used to tell me how small kids in Rajinikanth’s state are affected by his stardom. Joyjeet teaches at Michigan University and he was travelling a lot to small places in Tamil Nadu to teach young kids. They aspire to be like his characters portrayed in the ﬁlm. How they look up to Rajinikanth and parents are also

The documentary is titled as Love of a Man. (File Photo) happy with their children’s decision of becoming like him. So, we thought we should explore this further,” she said. Though Rinku did not get the chance to meet the 63-year-old actor, she believes that Rajinikanth has the idea about the documentary on him. “I have seen him in many venues but I haven’t reached out to him personally yet. I do believe that he knows that we are doing this documentary on him,” she said. The ﬁlm, which is presented through the eyes of his fan, explores the journey of four main characters- Ravi Anna, Kamal Anand, Sugandhi and Mani, and N Ravi. “There are four main pro-

tagonists in the documentary and each of them represents social aspiration. How people are using their own investments doing big poster release of Rajinikanth which had nothing to do with Rajinikanth, his company or the distributors of his films. There is also a mimicry artiste, who is actually not a fan of Rajinikanth but the fandom gives him three meals a day,” she said. The filmmaker is also planning to hold a special screening for Rajinikanth before its February, 2015 release. “We definitely would like to show our film to Rajinikanth before releasing it worldwide,” said Rinku, who has also become a fan of the actor after meeting his crazy admirers.

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Friday, November 28, 2014

Section 2

Page 16

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OP-ED/MEDICAL

Diagnosis in ‘Digital India’

he government must recognise the role low-cost health IT innovations could play in improving diagnostic accuracy, including many that would be useful for rural India

Duncan informed a nurse about his travel history from West Africa. She documented this in the electronic health record (EHR). However, this did not set alarm bells ringing despite Ebola awareness preparation preceding this event. And then the hospital fumbled on its explanation, first blaming the nurse saying she did not tell the doctors about the travel history and then blaming a glitch in the EHR saying that because the nurse’s workflow (where the travel history was recorded) was not aligned with the doctor’s workflow, the doctor did not have access to the nurse’s notes. The next day it backtracked saying the EHR system worked just fine. At a U.S. Congressional hearing three weeks later, the hospital finally admitted misdiagnosis. This was from a hospital that was personally chosen by none less than former U.S. President George Bush for a cardiac stent procedure last year. Missing critical information Digitisation is aimed at improving health care delivery, quality and safety, and also facilitating the measurement of quality and safety metrics. While there was no computer glitch, the timeline released by the hospital suggested that the doctor spent more time with the computer than with the patient. Doctors in the U.S. now routinely use templates and pick-lists to help them navigate the com-

NO ROOM FOR ERROR: “The opportunity to diagnose Ebola correctly was missed in Thomas Duncan’s case in the U.S., but there are several lessons to be learnt.” Picture shows wards at a hospital in New Delhi. File photo: Meeta Ahlawat

plexities of medical documentation, billing and quality reporting requirements. But complex human-computer interactions in busy and chaotic clinical settings can also lead doctors to miss critical information. Humans become more reliant on technology and less likely to communicate face-to-face. In this case, the nurse ideally should have let the doctor know verbally about the travel history. Large amounts of data in the EHR can lead one to miss critical “signal” information versus the “noise.” We do know that basic clinical interactions with patients often suffer when attention is diverted to the computer so much. This case is a perfect prototype for one of the biggest vulnerabilities of medicine — misdiagnosis. In the U.S. alone, 1 in 20 adults are estimated to be misdiagnosed annually in outpatient settings. The numbers are likely to be higher in India. Errors in diagnosis of several common diseases have been well described. Many of these diseases are common in India, including infections, cancers and cardiovascular conditions. Both problems in clinical judgment such as failing to gather or synthesise history, a physical exam or test data appropriately, as well as healthcare system ﬂaws such as a lack of record or data availability, problems with communication or coordinating care, and insufﬁcient access to specialists, can all contribute to misdiagnosis.

Reducing misdiagnosis in the future ‘Digital India’ will remain a challenge without a national body or movement to coordinate patient safety initiatives related to misdiagnosis and strengthening the overall health system. Amid antiquated manual recordkeeping systems, there is limited access to diagnostic testing resources and a severe paucity of qualified primary-care providers and specialists. Layering technology on top of these problems won’t produce better patient outcomes unless we address the underlying fundamental problems related to workflow and processes. Indian medical training traditionally lays greater emphasis on basic clinical examination and history-taking skills, but this might change with digitisation. To maintain physician skill levels, we must use technology to create a learning system where we learn from our mistakes. For example, a general lack of insight into their own diagnosis errors and overconfidence is common among physicians. Currently, there is an absence of effective feedback mechanisms on diagnosis-related performance from hospitals, colleagues or patients. We don’t have a culture of transparency and learning to reduce misdiagnosis, an area in which even U.S. hospitals lag behind. Technology can make things more transparent as long we are prepared to handle this transparency. The path forward

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So what else is needed in the path forward to reduce misdiagnosis in ‘Digital India’? As measurement is the first step to improvement, we must raise awareness of this problem and support health systems research to measure and understand misdiagnosis. We could leverage technology to enable better measurement if we build a culture of transparency and learning. This groundwork could help develop effective strategies to address doctors’ thinking and behaviours as well as address health system flaws, some of which we already know. We could prioritise high-risk areas that can be improved with relatively minor investments, including strengthening primary and emergency care systems. We will need a lot more than 4.1 per cent of GDP to be spent on health care to do that. The vision of ‘Digital India’ by the current government is inspiring but in a resourcestarved setting, setting up a robust and reliable health information technology can be challenging. Policy agenda should first focus on developing and implementing safe and reliable information technology that works all the time. Second, India must develop the workforce and clinical practices required to use this technology correctly and completely. Other countries offer several examples of successes and failures in health IT; we must learn from them rather than reinvent the wheel. Finally, India must leverage technology to improve safety of the healthcare system, rather than allowing it to become a distraction, as it happened in Dallas. Multi-disciplinary teamwork is needed with health-care professionals foregoing turf battles and agreeing to work along with experts from policy, IT and patient safety. With a new government working on a new national health policy and a health innovation fund, it must recognise the role low-cost health IT innovations could play in improving diagnostic accuracy, including many that would be useful for rural India. Misdiagnosis is likely to be one of the bigger healthcare safety challenges facing India and solutions are not simple or obvious. While resource-rich nations are still evaluating how to reduce misdiagnosis, we need to start the conversation here and prepare doctors and the health-care policymakers of tomorrow. As we have learnt, even a single misdiagnosis — such as the one in Dallas — can have widespread public health consequences. SOURCE: The Hindu (November 24, 2014).

Su, Bu Mang

U.S. releases low 2015 Obamacare enrollment forecast Happy Thanksgiving!

The stated goal, 30 percent lower than a Congressional Budget Office forecast of 13 million enrollees, reflects the government’s latest thinking about new enrollees and returning customers, according to officials who expect the actual number to fall between 9 million and 9.9 million.

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The U.S. administration on Monday dramatically cut expectations for 2015 Obamacare enrollment, saying it aims to have a total of 9.1 million people enrolled in government-backed federal and state health insurance marketplaces next year.

by DIVVY K. UPADHYAY DEAN F. SITTIG HARDEEP SINGH

The diagnosis of the ﬁrst patient with Ebola in the U.S. was initially missed in an emergency room late night on September 25. Thomas Duncan, a Liberian national visiting Dallas, Texas, complained of ﬂu-like symptoms and fever, but after lab work and CT scans, was given antibiotics and discharged with presumed sinusitis. The opportunity to diagnose Ebola correctly was missed. But there are several lessons to be learnt, many of which are relevant for ‘Digital India’.

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Science of Nature, not related with any religion, caste, or community. It is an Occult Science and gift of nature for the welfare of people to get proper advice.

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(Divvy K. Upadhyay is with the Urban Institute in Washington DC; Dean F. Sittig is with the University of Texas School of Biomedical Informatics, Houston, and Hardeep Singh is Chief, Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston.)

Released just before Obamacare’s three-month 2015 open enrollment period begins Saturday, the forecast suggests that the administration was shifting goalposts in the face of approaching challenges from a newly elected Republican Senate majority and a potentially devastating legal case before the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell told a think tank forum that she wanted to be transparent about her team’s expectations. Analysts said the lower numbers show the administration recognizes the challenging reality it will face during a relatively brief enrollment period. But they added that the smaller numbers could give President Barack Obama a political victory if actual enrollment surpasses the goal. The administration is under pressure to produce a successful enrollment a year after technical glitches paralyzed the federal website HealthCare.gov, and subjected Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement to months of crisis. “Open enrollment this year will be a positive experience for the consumer,” Burwell said. But she also tempered expectations, predicting that some things “will go wrong ... we will have outages. We will have down time.” Monday’s estimate follows a potential blow to enrollment after the Supreme

Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com Court agreed to hear a challenge over whether subsidies to buy coverage should be restricted to 14 marketplaces run by state governments. The case could complicate enrollment by fanning uncertainty about whether subsidies such as tax credits will be available to federal marketplace enrollees after the court rules. CBO predicted the Obamacare marketplaces would have 25 million paying customers by 2017. But the administration assumes that could take two years longer, partly because of a slower shift to Obamacare coverage from employer-based insurance or other private plans. The administration also reduced its count of 2014 enrollment to 7.1 million people, from 7.3 million in August. Ofﬁcials expect only about 83 percent of those enrollees to renew their plans for 2015. Regardless of the count, cover yourself and your family to avoid any unforeseen situation. Further those who are 65 and above with Medicare eligibility, Medicare window for Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan closes on December 7, 2014 for January 1, 2015 effective date. So review and change your pan as need be. Contact Mathuria & Associates to obtain prompt Obama Care OR Medicare Coverage.

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Us Orders Calorie Labeling For Fast-Food

ASHINGTON, AFP (11/25/2014) - The United States on Tuesday announced sweeping new rules forcing chain restaurants and pizza parlors to publish calorie counts on menus in an attempt to combat the nation’s obesity epidemic.

calorie information for all standards prominently on menus and menu boards. Temporary menu items and specials are exempt from the requirements.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said chain restaurants and vending machines with 20 or more locations would be required to provide customers with full nutritional information about the food being sold.

Establishments affected will also have to provide upon request detailed nutritional information for food items such as total calories, total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, ﬁber, sugar and protein.

Similar rules have already been used for years in several US states and cities, such as California and New York. “Americans eat and drink one third of their calories away from home and people today expect clear information about the products they consume,” FDA commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in a statement. “Making calorie information available on chain restaurant menus and vending machines is an important step for public health that will help consumers make informed choices for themselves and their families.” Under the new rules, restaurants will be required to publish

The menu labeling rule also includes food facilities at venues such as movie theaters and amusement parks.

The ﬁnalization of the new rules was required under the 2010 Affordable Care Act. The rules come as America grapples with ever rising rates of obesity. More than one-third of American adults (34.9% or 78.6 million) are obese, according to recent ﬁgures cited by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC said the annual medical cost of treating obesity in the United States in 2008 was $147 billion. Medical care for obese people averages $1,429 more per person than individuals of normal weight.

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BUSINESS

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

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New York Life To Increase Dividend Us Consumer Confidence Payout By 11 Percent In 2015 Falls In November Marks Highest Dividend Payout for Individual Life Policies in Company History Company Cites Growing Investment Management Business as Increasing Contributor to Dividends

EW YORK, November 24, 2014 — New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer, today announced its dividend payout will increase next year by 11 percent, for a total payout of $1.6 billion. Of this, individual life policyholders will receive $1.56 billion in dividends in 2015 – a new record high for the company and a 12 percent increase over the 2014 level. The company said it will be the third consecutive year of significant dividend increases by New York Life, for an increase of 31 percent over the $1.19 billion paid to individual life policyholders in 2012. Ted Mathas, chairman and CEO, said, “The downward pressure on interest rates continues to be challenging for life insurers, especially those who do not have a diversified business portfolio. However, New York Life’s policyholders benefit from our large and growing investment management business, which not only provides the safety of diversification, but meaningfully contributes to both our surplus and our dividends. Our diversified business strategy is a key reason we’ve been able to increase our dividend for three years running. And it is a very real and sustainable competitive advantage for our policyholders.” Mr. Mathas said that in addition to the strong dividend payout reflecting the growth of the participating life business and the contribution from the investment management business, the company also con-

tinues to experience very good persistency as policyholders maintain their policies in force despite the challenging economy. This speaks not only to the value proposition the company provides its policyholders but also the consumer appeal of New York Life’s strong ratings for financial strength. Of the 825 life insurers in the United States today, only two – including New York Life – have the highest ratings for financial strength currently awarded to any life insurer by the four major rating agencies. Every year since 1854 New York Life has paid a dividend to policyholders, a validation of the company’s mutual structure and singular focus on creating value for its customers. 2015 will mark the 161st consecutive year that New York Life has paid a dividend, through the Civil War, world wars, pandemics and financial crises. “As a mutual company we are uniquely aligned with our policyholders and are able to manage our operations for their long-term insurance and financial needs,” Mr. Mathas said. “This year’s dividend payout, however, also reflects the success of our business strategy, which couples our market-leading life and annuity businesses with a growing, global asset management operation,” added Mr. Mathas. “Because we are not publicly traded, the profits we generate from our asset management business can be used to support policyholders by allowing us to pay a healthy dividend while maintaining the financial strength necessary to provide safety and soundness,

in good times and bad.” New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States* and one of the largest life insurers in the world. New York Life has the highest possible ﬁnancial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor’s (AA+).** Headquartered in New York City, New York Life’s family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and longterm care insurance. New York Life Investments*** provides institutional asset management and retirement plan services. Other New York Life afﬁliates provide an array of securities products and services, as well as retail mutual funds. Please visit www.newyorklife. com for more information. *Based on revenue as reported by “Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual),” Fortune magazine, 6/16/14. For methodology, please see http://fortune. com/fortune500/. **Individual independent rating agency commentary as of 8/13/14. ***New York Life Investments is a service mark used by New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and its subsidiary, New York Life Investment Management LLC.

ashington - US consumer conﬁdence fell in November as views of current and future business and job conditions sagged, the Conference Board reported Tuesday. The consumer conﬁdence index fell to 88.7 from 94.1 in October, but remained well above the 72.0 level of a year ago. Assessments by survey respondents of existing business conditions and those in the next six months all eroded. But the same survey showed

consumer plans for spending on major items like cars, houses, appliances and vacations in the next six months were generally higher. “Consumers were somewhat less positive about current business conditions and the present state of the job market,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “However, income expectations were virtually unchanged and gas (gasoline) prices remain low, which should help boost holiday sales.”

Analysts said the downturn in the overall index is likely temporary, and possibly related to October’s stock market slump, now well-overcome in November. “We are inclined to see it as a lagged response to the drop in stock prices in October, which has since more than reversed, while gas prices have fallen further,” said Ian Shepherdson at Pantheon Macroeconomics. “We expect a rebound in December and further gains early next year.”

Xoom Announces Instant Deposit Service to Kotak Mahindra Bank Accounts in India Xoom expands instant deposit service to one of India’s leading ﬁnancial institutions

AN FRANCISCO, CA, October 23, 2014 – Xoom Corporation (NASDAQ: XOOM), a leading digital money transfer provider, is now offering instant deposits to Kotak Mahindra Bank accounts in India. This revolutionary service allows Xoom customers to instantly deposit money into their recipients’ Kotak Mahindra Bank accounts, 365 days a year, including bank holidays. Instant deposits to Kotak Mahindra Bank are processed through Xoom’s partnership with Punjab National Bank. “Through our partnership with Punjab National Bank and the breakthrough IMPS technology, we are thrilled to expand our instant deposit service to Kotak Mahindra Bank,” said Julian King, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for

Xoom. “Instant deposits are available 365 days, including bank holidays, so customers will never have to wait. Speed and convenience are what customers expect from Xoom’s service and we continue to do just that in our mission to provide instant deposit to even more banks in India.” In addition to Kotak Mahindra Bank, Xoom also offers instant deposits to ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Federal Bank and Yes Bank. Xoom provides great lockedin exchange rates for money transfers to India, and there is no fee when customers send more than $1,000 and pay with their U.S.-based bank account. Plus, Xoom continues to provide fast bank deposits within four hours to all other banks in

India, including to NRE and NRO accounts, when sent during bank processing hours in India. Customers can also download the Xoom App for Android and iOS mobile devices for free. Visit https://www. xoom.com/india for more information. About Xoom Xoom is a leading digital money transfer provider that enables consumers to send money to 30 countries in a secure, fast and cost-effective way, using their mobile phone, tablet or computer. During the 12 months ended June 30, 2014, Xoom’s more than 1.1 million active customers sent approximately $6.3 billion to family and friends. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and can be found online at www.xoom.com

HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, November 28, 2014

Your Horoscope for the Week of November 28, 2014 by Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950

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Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April The relatively small matters, that you would normally pass off as “things happen”. But this one will send you to the edge. One cause may be a recent, rather impractical move on the part of your mate or partner. Save your venting for a quieter time, when you could let the state of your checkbook tell the story. You must admit, however, that their intention was in both your interests, so don’t stay mad. Stick with the plan, whatever it is, in both your professional life and your personal life. No matter how hard you try, however, a problem may erupt that you have to deal with.

You could quickly get all the background information you need. If it isn’t work that occupies you, it may be a hunt for bargains in the house and property market. You may have a dream place in mind, but you are not going to ﬁnd it without putting in some long hours of research. You may be a bit anxious about the thought of a big move, remembering past experiences. With plenty of lead-time and advance planning, it needn’t be the chore it appears to be right now.

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May

Scorpio (N,Y)23 Oct to 21 Nov

You may ﬁnd it very difﬁcult to concentrate. Changes may be afoot on the home scene. Do your best to stay on an even course, plan to spend some time unwinding. In this situation, the best way to nurture yourself is to nurture others. You will be able to speak tenderly. Sharp words should not be exchanged. Someone, possibly an older relative, could express discontent with how they perceive you are handling your affairs, it’s not polite, but you may be inclined to say, “It’s none of your business”.

The magnetism of your personality, Alone it could be a force to be reckoned with, however you’ll be sharp in the job arena. A long hoped for raise could come through, or at least an acknowledgement by a boss or other higher-up that you are worth more. You are also in a mood to improvise. Your spur-of-themoment creations really ﬁll the bill. You’ll feel like celebrating. Open your wallet and treat yourself to something sumptuous. Don’t forget the other person who will be waiting to applaud you. A mate or partner has been patiently waiting for you to deliver.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June You could be a little bit gullible now, don’t necessarily believe what you hear. After all, who knows them better than you do? You may decide to have less to do with the person who tried put something over on you. You’ll be able to grin and bear it, whatever it turns out to be. At times, you may feel like it’s all work and no rewards. The glitch that occurs may have to do with future plans for travel or just plain having fun. As for that hard work, regard it as money in the bank, because there may be a raise in your future. Try to negotiate the best deal you can

A big project at work could keep you working after hours and your mate may not be too pleased at a break in the normal schedule. Perhaps they may not be as adaptable as you are. Smooth things out, try not to talk about money concerns, if possible. Better days are ahead. You are sharp as a tack, but try not to be too sharp. Watch what you say to co-workers, because you may offend someone. You rarely do that intentionally, but the ﬂak you take from a small explosion could make you uncharacteristically sensitive.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July It may be a new relationship, perhaps it is business progress that is at issue. Whatever your situation, put some feeling into the encounter to show that this is not just another meeting. Be sure to follow up, whether the issue is personal or professional. You’ll be glad you did. You are intensely curious about something. You may have heard rumors & now is the time to check them out. One possibility is a change of management in your work structure. Perhaps someone will return after a long absence.

Though your ambition may be keen, others could be in the same frame of mind as you. If an obvious power play on someone’s part disturbs you, act as if it has nothing to do with you. It doesn’t, really. The problem is that you may have seen it coming, and now that it has come to a head, you ﬁnd yourself annoyed. Just keep moving steadily along. Do not push for any unscheduled meetings or conversations. You could lose it without meaning to. You may be called on for extra work at your job. You may also get a call from a friend who needs some emotional support.

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb

Your extreme sensitivity to whatever environment you ﬁnd yourself in, As you pick up the vibes, be sure to separate what’s real from what is simply your imagination. Don’t harp on small things. Isn’t it great to feel totally at ease? Your work should go well, but soon, you will be ready for a change of pace. Be the organizer, if there is someone around whom you would like to get to know better, be sure to invite them. This person could be on a different job level from you, but that should be no problem for you.

You have to let go of something or someone. It will be clear to you, however, that the usefulness or viability of what you give up, has gone. You’ll be in the mood for romance, with spouse, a very special person who is always there for you. No tears or regrets, just be glad that whatever it was is now over. Because you are in overdrive, an emotional explosion could be a decisive and constructive action on a long-term work project that you are now determined to bring to a head and complete.

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September Make the atmosphere more pleasant for entertaining family and friends. You could experience a special emotional fulfillment from cooperation on the job. Your optimism is justified as some projects involving property bring great financial success. Be sure you don’t put a rotten apple in the case, however, just because you don’t know your own power. Screen other investors carefully and put a high value on your own abilities. You may need a studio where you can work on projects that express your talent. Some public or career projects could be completed from home.

You may surprise everyone by becoming a bit of a chatterbox. Try to conﬁne what you say to the work at hand. Not everyone has to know your personal business. You may be called on to supervise some people. If you are not used to being the boss, you could learn much through this experience. One cardinal rule is not to expect of anyone else what you would not expect of yourself. It is a point in your favor if you don’t exaggerate your accomplishments. You tend to get ahead by taking on more responsibility. Just be sure you are not encroaching on someone else’s territory.

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HINDU TEMPLE/MANDIR FOR SALE OR LEASE A well settled Hindu Temple/Mandir currently in full operation is for sale in Houston ( Baytown), Texas. The temple is located 20 minutes from the Houston Hobby Airport and Clearlake, 35 minute to the Hillcroft Indian area, and 25 minute drive to downtown Houston. The temple is located on 5 acres unrestricted land with $11,000 sq temple place, paved parking for over a 100 cars. The adjacent 5 acres with a 5 bedroom home is presently used as priest quarters is also for sale. The temple has the biggest Shivalinga in the U.S, Vishnu/Balaji, Kal Bhairave, Ganesh Ji, 6’ Durga Ma, Lord Shanidev, Lord Gurudev, nandhi Ji, and it also has many panchaloka murthis-vigrahas such as Lord Muruga with Valli, Dhevanai, Ramseetha Lakshman Pariwar, Panchamukh Hamunan Ji, Sathyamarayana, Prapiyankara Soolini Ma, etc. Serious Inquiries only. Owner ﬁnancing available For more details contact the temple at 281-424-5218, Temple chief priest- 408-829-7780 Radha Krishna Mandir 7600 Bayway Drive Baytown, TX, 77520 www.texaskrishnamandir.org avtemple@aol.com

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